99
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/11
Nautilus “Jumbo”
A well-preserved and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate of origin, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Time capsule example, completely unrestored and original
• Property of the family of the original owner
• Rarely seen complete set
Released in 1976, the Nautilus embodies every aspect of Patek Philippe's avant-garde design philosophy of the 1970s. Evidence suggests that of all Genta's iconic designs, the Nautilus was his favorite and he perhaps regarded it as his most timeless. Patek Philippe produced two versions of the original Nautilus “Jumbo”, the reference 3700/1 from 1976 to about 1981, and the 3700/11, which was in production from 1981 to 1990. While the core DNA remained the same, the 3700/11 was produced in fewer numbers and featured a tapered bracelet.
The present "Jumbo" Nautilus is an outstanding, well-preserved reference 3700/11 in 18K yellow gold. Dating from 1982, this early example is fresh-to-the-market and a wonderful time capsule of the iconic model. Purchased by the original owner while traveling in 1984, the watch has remained completely original for the last 50 years. The watch remains in our opinion unpolished, having never been opened by a watchmaker since it left the factory until the present day. The watch is furthermore accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and presentation box. Illustrating the human side of watchmaking, it is interesting to note there is a typo on the certificate of origin with the serial number off by just one number reading 1’310’255 and not 1’310’256 seen on the movement and extract.
Patek Philippe’s Nautilus is universally recognized as an exceptional timepiece that is both iconic and classic, and as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, this highly desirable vintage example is a wonderful opportunity for collectors.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.