Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1977 Reference No: 3700/1 Movement No: 1’304’629 Case No: 536’064 Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle with 18K white gold Nautilus-signed folding blade, additionally signed Gay Frères Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed. Dial additionally signed Gübelin. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1977 and its subsequent sale on March 2nd 1978. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box and travel case.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3700 embodied every aspect of Patek Philippe's avant-garde design philosophy of the 1970s, from the bold yet elegant curves, to the contrasting finish of the case, and even the delicate grooves of the dial culminating in a sublimely robust and elegant wristwatch. Advertisements from the era trumpeted the Nautilus' status as one of the most expensive steel wristwatches, and proclaimed "Like the great swords of another age, Nautilus took shape between the skilled hands of master craftsmen."
The "Jumbo" nickname referred to the 42mm case diameter, which was considered oversized for the era. While it was initially not well received, its popularity quickly grew, and soon became a mainstay of Patek Philippe's collection with subsequent models including chronographs and perpetual calendars. The original reference 3700/1 was in production from its introduction in 1976 until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, versus the tapered bracelet of the successor reference 3700/11.
The retailer Gübelin was first established in Lucerne, Switzerland in 1854 as a small watchmaking shop, and has since developed into one of the most prominent European watch retailers of the modern era, in addition to an important force in the jewelry and gemological industry. Since its founding, it has remained family-owned, now in its sixth generation with a Gübelin at the helm. It has long been a retailer of Patek Philippe timepieces, with exceptional pieces bearing both signatures.
The present watch is only the third ever Gübelin-signed Nautilus 3700/1 in yellow gold to appear at auction and has never been offered publicly. It is at the same time a stunning example, preserved in all original condition. Its dial is flawless and original to the watch. The original, Gay Frères-signed flat Nautilus clasp is correct, and the bracelet remains absolutely rigid and tight throughout, with a beautiful and unpolished Calatrava cross on the bracelet clasp.
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.
