Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1979 Reference No: 3700/1 Movement No: 1’306’375 Case No: 541’028 Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 28 February 1980, original Patek Philippe cork presentation box, and product literature.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s iconic Nautilus wristwatch was introduced in 1976, and has become a masterpiece in the horological world. The model was one of the first luxury stainless steel sports models available, and appreciated for its masculine appeal with sporty appearance that could be worn outdoors or in the boardroom.
Designed by famed horologist Gerald Genta, the “Nautilus” took its inspiration from the sea, with a design reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners’ portholes and named after Captain Nemo’s submarine “Nautilus”, which explored the ocean depths in Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Released in 1976, the reference 3700/1 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, while its successor the reference 3700/11 launched in 1980 with tapered steel bracelet, and remained in production until 1990. The “Nautilus” was a ground-breaking wristwatch for Patek Philippe, which ushered in a new dimension to the luxury world of watchmaking, a welcome alternative for smaller gentlemen’s dress timepieces fitted on leather straps. The Nautilus reference 3700 would become a major product line for Patek Philippe, and today is one of the most desirable watches in haute horlogerie.
This complete example from 1979, not only represents one of the most iconic wristwatches available today, but it is in wonderful original condition, accompanied by its original certificate of guarantee and its highly coveted cork presentation box. The well-preserved “Type 2” dial features a small accent mark to the second “E”, with the “K” feet converging on the same point, and the bottom of the “V” is truncated. 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.
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.
Ref. 3700/1 A rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, accompanied with original Certificate of Origin and cork presentation box
1979 42mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
