Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1981
    Reference No: 3700/3
    Movement No: 1’308’060
    Case No: 555’024
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Gay Frères bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe travel case and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1981 and its subsequent sale on 12th February 1982.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1976, the Nautilus stunned the watch world as Patek Philippe's first luxury sports watch, masterfully designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. Taking inspiration from ocean liner portholes, Genta fittingly named it after the submarine in Jules Verne's classic tale. With an integrated bracelet and ultra-thin automatic movement, its silhouette wears comfortably on the wrist.

    Initially conceived as an understated steel leisure watch, the Nautilus was not intended for precious metals or diamonds. However, the early 1980s brought scarce gold editions with diamond bezels, pushing boundaries with lavish embellishments. Among the rarest and most coveted is ref. 3700/3, as seen here. According to our research, only 8 examples are known in this precious metal and gemstone combination, making this a grail for collectors.

    With its well-preserved sturdy case, sharp bevels, and integrated Gay Frères bracelet, the present ref. 3700/3 in yellow gold exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury sports elegance. It provides a portal into the origins of Patek Philippe's now-legendary Nautilus line for scholars and collectors of exceptional vintage watches alike.

  • 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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Property from an Important Asian Collector

853

Ref. 3700/3
An extremely rare, well-preserved and spectacular yellow gold wristwatch with Gay Frères bracelet, diamond-set bezel and date

1981
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$950,000 - 1,500,000 
€114,000-180,000
$122,000-192,000

Sold for HK$1,333,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024