Patek Philippe with the introduction of the “Nautilus “model in 1976 created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century. It was a new era of luxury with the use of stainless steel for high-end watches, which today is the epitome of masculine appeal with a sporty appearance that can 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 3700/001 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, while its successor the reference 3700/11 with tapered steel bracelet, 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’s 42 mm diameter soon became a major product line for Patek Philippe, and today is one of the most desirable watches in haute horlogerie.

This well-preserved “Nautilus” will surely please the discerning collector not only for its overall appealing condition but also for its original certificate of origin and original cork presentation box. While the case was replaced during a service at Patek Philippe in 1981, the watch retains the special allure of the reference 3700/1. When first introduced to the market forty-three years ago, the Nautilus was not well received, but in time, it has become universally recognized as an exceptional timepiece that is both iconic and classic.