Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 3700/11
    Movement No: 1'308'267
    Case No: 558'665
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 215, 18 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 signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1982 and its subsequent sale on June 14, 1982, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe, with the introduction of the Nautilus in 1976, created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century. It was a new era of luxury and glamour.

    Gerald Genta’s design inspired by the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners was named after Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The ‘Jumbo’ case with wide flat bezel, integrated link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement had a masculine aesthetic compared to the smaller dressy gold mechanical watches of the time.

    Whereas reference 3700/001 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, its successor the reference 3700/11 with tapered bracelet remained in production until 1990.

    The present reference 3700/11 is preserved in impressive condition with sharp hallmarks beneath the lugs. The bracelet remains rigid and tight, and all bevels are present. The gold livery of the present Nautilus reference 3700 adds so much flair, sophistication and suave cool to an already iconic model.

  • 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. 3700/11
An attractive and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with date, bracelet, presentation box and outer packaging

1982
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF130,000 - 230,000 
€135,000-239,000
$149,000-263,000

Sold for CHF177,800

Contact Specialist

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

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023