Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1'305'666, stamped with the Geneva Seal
    Case No: 536'516
    Model Name: Nautilus "Jumbo"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255, 40 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp, stamped with "Nautilus"
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement stamped with the Geneva seal, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its subsequent date of manufacture in 1977 and its date of sale on 28th September 1978

  • Catalogue Essay

    Designed by arguably the most accredited designer of the era, Gerald Genta takes much of its inspiration form the porthole of a ship. Named the Nautilus, Patek Philippe introduced the coveted model in 1976 as the most expensive luxury sports watch encased in stainless steel, which would revolutionize the industry as a whole. However, the Nautilus was not the first wristwatch to be inspired by the theme and designed by Gerald Genta. In fact, Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak four years prior the Nautilus, similarly encase in stainless steel. The reference 3700 was in production until 1990 and was replaced by the reference 3710 featuring a black dial with a power reserve indicator on the 12 O'clock position.

    The reference featured various dial configurations each with traits trailing back to its respective series and production. The iconic ribbed dials were handcrafted by Stern Frères with each horizontal furrow is hand engraved separately. Once completed, the dial undergoes several layers of hand applied grey and blue paint to achieve the desired "ocean blue" hue. The applied indexes in white gold are secured on the surface of the dial with luminous material filled in. Early examples of the reference featured "sigma SWISS sigma" on the 6 O'clock position to indicate the gold hands and indexes. Furthermore, the bracelet measures 16mm and is thicker than later examples with "Nautilus" engraved on the stainless steel clasp.

    The present example confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives produced in 1977, belongs to an early example of the reference with corresponding characteristics. However, the excitement is generated from the uniformly tropicalized "bronze" dial which was originally blue. Furthermore, the condition of the case is immaculately appealing as it is presented in excellent "like new" overall condition and still retaining its original factory finish and proportions with sharp case edges and well defined bevels.

  • 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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911

Ref. 3700/1
A superbly attractive, striking and extremely well preserved stainless steel automatic wristwatch with "tropical" bronze dial, date and bracelet

1977
42mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement stamped with the Geneva seal, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$550,000 - 1,090,000 
€62,700-124,000
$70,500-140,000

Sold for HK$2,500,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019