Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1’306’573
    Case No: 540’638
    Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo”
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet, overall approx. max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Nautilus folding clasp, additionally stamped Gay Frères
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 and its subsequent sale on January 14, 1980.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe, with the introduction of the Nautilus in 1976, created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century. It was a new era of luxury and glamour.

    Gérald Genta’s design, inspired by the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners, 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 link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement was strikingly different than the small, round, yellow gold hand-wound watches that dominated the era.

    Previously purchased at auction in 2016 by the consignor, this exceptionally rare white gold Nautilus is fitted with its original dial with luminous baton hour markers, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The case is in remarkable condition with its original factory polished and brushed finishing present, while the dial has developed an almost fumé blue-black effect, with traces of pleasing tropicalization beginning to appear. Its bracelet is in a similar, well-preserved state of preservation, remaining taut, with crisp finishing throughout, clearly indicating it was hardly worn throughout its nearly 50-year life.

    Only nine examples of the white gold Nautilus reference 3700 are known, and recently, Patek Philippe saw fit to pay tribute to these few early examples by releasing the reference 5811/1G. Offered with its Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1978, the heft and luminosity of the 3700 in white gold provides it immense wrist presence.

    The condition and ultimate rarity of this white gold Nautilus make it a must-have trophy watch for the discerning collector.

  • 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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78

Ref. 3700/1
An exceptionally rare, important, and extremely well preserved white gold wristwatch with date and bracelet

1978
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$400,000 - 800,000 
CHF360,000-720,000
€374,000-749,000
HK$3,120,000-6,250,000
S$544,000-1,090,000

Sold for $762,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023