Patek Philippe - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 3700/001
    Movement No: 1’305’949
    Case No: 536’562
    Model Name: Nautilus ‘Jumbo’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28”255, C 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max. length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Patek Philippe cork fitted presentation box, wallet, product literature, and suede case. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1977 and subsequent sale on January 5th, 1979.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the Nautilus, Patek Philippe would seek out Gerald Genta for a design to go beyond haute horlogerie, to create a luxury sports watch. Inspired by the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners, it was named after Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine from Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The ‘Jumbo’ case with wide flat bezel, integrated steel link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement had a masculine aesthetic compared to the smaller dressy gold mechanical watches of the time. While it was initially not well received, its popularity quickly grew, and has been a mainstay of Patek Philippe’s collection until the present day. Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus reference 3700 in stainless steel; 3700/1 from 1976 to about 1981, and the 3700/11, which was in production from 1981 to 1990. This complete and early example, manufactured in 1977, is fresh to the market, and not only represents one of the most iconic wristwatches available today, but it is in wonderful condition, accompanied by its original certificate of guarantee and its highly coveted cork presentation box. The Nautilus sought to bring a modern twist to haute horology, and the present lot will appeal to the discerning collector seeking a complete, well-preserved example of this design masterpiece.

  • 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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Ref. 3700/001
An attractive, rare and large stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, original Certificate of Origin, and original cork presentation box.

1977
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed
42mm diameter

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,200-58,500
€25,600-51,100
HK$234,000-468,000

Sold for $92,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017