Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2005
    Reference No: 3712/1A-001
    Movement No: 3’170’142
    Case No: 4’340’836
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 PS IRM C LU, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped The Hour Glass Hong Kong dated 4th November 2005, hangtag, setting pin, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe introduced reference 3712/1A in 2005, and it remained in production for approximately one year – some estimate as few as eight months. Originally designed by world renowned Gerald Genta, the first Nautilus was presented in 1976. The reference 3712/1A with power reserve, date, and moonphase, was at the time of its launch the most complicated version of the Nautilus made by Patek Philippe. The letters following the official name of the self-winding caliber 240 – PS IRM C LU – stand for "petite second" (small seconds), "indication de réserve de marche" (power reserve), "calandrier" (date), and "lune" (moon), all of which are present on the 3712 in an idiosyncratic but somehow harmonious arrangement.

    At first glance, the 3712 appears quite similar to its successor, the 5712, but there are many noteworthy differences when the details are examined. Most notably, the 3712 has a slightly smaller case measuring 42mm in diameter as it is constructed using only two pieces compared with the more rounded, tripartite 43mm case of the 5712. The dial of the reference 3712 features wider grooves, or channels, and different hour markers than its successor. A particularly subtle but well-studied detail is the presence of just three red dots on the power reserve indicator, versus four dots on the 5712, to indicate a low remaining power reserve.

    With its extremely short production period, the reference 3712 is amongst the rarest of all variants of the Nautilus, making it extremely sought after. Still single factory sealed and as such preserved in untouched condition, this watch is sure to please all Patek Philippe collectors.

  • 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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868

Ref. 3712/1A-001
A fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with small seconds, date, moon phases, power reserve, bracelet, Certificate of Origin and box, single sealed

Circa 2005
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$470,000 - 940,000 
€52,000-104,000
$60,300-121,000

Sold for HK$1,323,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021