Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1977 Reference No: 3700/1 Movement No: 1'304'228 Case No: 534'066 Model Name: Nautilus Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, 28-255 C, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, 175 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 42 mm. width Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1977 and its subsequent sale on 30 January 1978. Literature: For another example of a reference 3700/1, please see Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, page 230 and 231.
Catalogue Essay
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus. The 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. Today, the Nautilus has become a true collector’s item, becoming increasingly valuable over the years.
We are incredibly pleased and humbled to present a range of Nautilus wristwatches, which embody the variety and strength of the iconic model. From those cased in the noblest of metals, to others equipped with horological complications, there is something for everyone in the coming pages.The present reference 3700/1 in stainless steel, the Jumbo Nautilus, is one of the very first models of the Nautilus collection. During this period, luxury sports watches were usually produced in gold, hence reference 3700/1 in steel was a true anomaly in the watchmaking community. In production from 1976 until 1987 in steel, the reference was distinguished by its generous case proportions. The reference houses a calibre 28-255 C based on a LeCoultre ébauche and it was the best ultra-flat automatic movement for the period of its production. Further highlighting the reference, the cases were manufactured by Favre-Perret and the dials were hand made by Stern Frères. It is estimated that only around 3600 examples were produced, making this present watch exceedingly sought-after today.
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.