Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1983 Reference No: 3700/11 Movement No: 1’310’855 Case No: 2’808’645 Model Name: Nautilus Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1983 and its subsequent date of sale on 25th October 1984.
Catalogue Essay
Since its introduction more than 47 years ago, the Patek Philippe Nautilus unveiled in 1976 altered the idea of a luxury sports watch in steel and truly revolutionize the landscape within the watch industry. The opus drawn by the legendary Gérald Genta whilst dining meters away from the Patek Philippe executives was inspired by the porthole of a ship constructed via a solid mono-block case with an octagonal bezel. The quick sketch of his became a true timeless horological masterpiece that is now more popular than ever to be known as the “Jumbo” Nautilus ref. 3700. Housed in the heart of the 42mm diameter watch is the caliber 28-255C taking blueprints from the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920 from 1967. The development was financed by Audemars Piguet which revered to cal.2120 for the Royal Oak, Vacheron Constantin with cal. 1120 and Patek Philippe for the cal. 28-255C for the Nautilus. Lean and refined in its profile at only 3.15mm, it is regarded as one of the most legendary movements ever produced.
The production of the ref. 3700 was segmented into two main series with early examples (1976-1982) stamped with ref. 3700/1 whilst later examples from 1982-1990 are stamped with 3700/11. Early examples of the model featured a slightly wider bracelet measuring 16mm whilst later examples is tapered down to 14mm.
Extremely well-preserved, the present Jumbo with full gold livery belongs to the earlier production of the ref. 3700/11. Previously unknown, this gold nugget is the 26th yellow gold example known, bearing a serial number of 2'808’645 and a movement of 1’310’855. Boasting a stunning case with desired bevels and sharp hallmarks beneath the lugs, the gold bracelet remains rigid and tight. Further confirmed by the Patek Phillipe Extract from the Archives of its date of manufacture in 1983, the present timepiece was subsequently sold on 25th October 1984. Impressively well-preserved, this sports watch with an extra flare of extravagance is an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the founding references of the most desirable sports watches in history.
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.