Patek Philippe - Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2016 | Phillips
  • 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.

    Nautilus系列無疑是百達翡麗最具代表性的知名型號之一,靈感來自於船艦舷窗,該系列第一個型號3700/1,顛覆了百達翡麗的傳統設計哲學,由大膽與優雅的創新線條、錶殼設計,到條紋錶盤,Gerald Genta的鬼才創意為雙方的合作帶來了巨大的成功。

    多年來的潛移默化之中,Nautilus對鐘錶界帶來無以倫比的影響,甚至改變了大眾對運動錶的看法。面世之初,一只Nautilus型號3700/1的售價為3100美金,這在當時亦不是筆小數目。時至今日,古董Nautilus不僅是不少鐘錶藏家的希望清單之一,其本身的價值也一路水漲船高。

    今年是百達翡麗Nautilus系列的第四十周年,富藝斯非常高興帶來下面一系列Nautilus腕錶,透過各種不同的珍貴型號,與錶迷一同重溫且分享重要時刻。

  • 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.

    View More Works

940

Ref. 3700/1
A fine, rare and large stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet

1977
42 mm. width
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€28,200-47,000
$30,000-50,000

Sold for HK$325,000

Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2016