Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1980
    Reference No: 3700/004
    Movement No: 1'309'498
    Case No: 549'456
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28 255C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin with Gobbi sticker dated October 1987, Gobbi Certificate of Origin dated October 1987, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black matte ribbed dial with applied yellow gold indexes and 72 diamonds in 1980 and its subsequent sale on December 9, 1981.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Nautilus model is without a doubt one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic watch references ever produced. The very first reference, 3700/1, embodied every aspect of Patek Philippe’s design philosophy, from the bold yet elegant curves, to the contrasting finishes of the case, and even the delicate grooves of the dial. The result was sublime. An ultimate collaboration between Philippe Stern and Gerald Genta, the Nautilus’ appearance was inspired by the robust proportions of maritime portholes.

    It is hard to qualify the many ways in which the Nautilus has changed the horological world. Its influence extends far and wide, and has forever changed the way we view a sports watch. At the time of production, reference 3700/1 retailed for $3100 USD, which was considered a high sum.

    This superlative Nautilus is cased in yellow gold and displays a thin row of diamonds around the edge of the bezel. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the only known reference 3700/004 in existence, underscoring the absolute rarity of the present timepiece. It is furthermore preserved in most probably unpolished condition, showcasing all its original contrasting bevels, satin and polished finishes. As an added layer of collectibility, it is even accompanied by its original certificate from 1987 showing that the watch was retailed by Gobbi, Milano with a black dial and 72 brilliant diamonds, Gobbi Certificate, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since 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.

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Ref. 3700/004
A spectacular and very attractive yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with bracelet, original certificate, Gobbi papers and presentation box

1980
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€92,700-185,000
$109,000-219,000

Sold for CHF200,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020