Perhaps one of the most iconic wristwatch designs of the 20th century, the Nautilus has gracefully matured in terms of its desirability and evolution since it was first introduced in 1976. The first reference produced, the 3700, would only plant the seed for Patek Phillipe to develop and innovate their Nautilus design into a full-on collection. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, Patek Philippe experimented with case materials, sizes, and dial designs, but all were still simple time-only watches only additionally indicating the date. All would change with the introduction of the Nautilus reference 3710 in 1999, which featured an innovative power reserve indicator below the 12 o’clock hour marker. Although in 1996 Patek re-worked the dial to have Roman numerals instead of polished luminous indexes, the 3710 marks the first real advance into making the Nautilus a well-rounded collection like the Calatrava – and it would also re-introduce the “Jumbo” 42mm case diameter prized by collectors.

Featuring polished white gold Roman numerals as hour markers, filled with luminous material, a matte black dial without the characteristic ribbing found on earlier models, and a delicate and somewhat abstract power reserve, the reference 3710 otherwise subscribes to the design cues of the original reference 3700.

The present Nautilus is an exciting and exceptional example of the reference 3710 that Phillips is proud to offer at auction for the first time. With movement serial number 3’148’000, it is the first example of the reference manufactured by Patek Philippe, and is featured prominently in John Goldberger’s landmark book, Patek Philippe Steel Watches. Sold in March of 1999 through Patek Philippe’s Geneva salon, it has been preserved in excellent original condition and is furthermore accompanied with its original certificate of origin and accompanying paperwork.