US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
163
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/1
Nautilus "Jumbo"
An exotic, luxurious and uncommon yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date, integrated Gay Frères bracelet and certificate of origin
- Estimate
- CHF90,000 - 180,000€96,800 - 194,000$111,000 - 223,000
CHF139,700
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1981
- Reference No
- 3700/1
- Movement No
- 1'309'524
- Case No
- 549'388
- Model Name
- Nautilus "Jumbo"
- Material
- 18k Yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 28-255, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18k yellow gold Gay Frères for Patek Philippe integrated bracelet, max length 195mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow and white (inner blades) Gay Frères for Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 42mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed by maker, clasp further signed by bracelet maker
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin code-dated January 1981. Furthermore delivered with by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1980 and its subsequent sale on January 26, 1981
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
One of haute horology's most iconic and coveted timepieces, the present watch is preserved in extremely honest and well-preserved condition. The case maintains its proportions and the dial displays very well preserved graphics and surface. The original, Gay Frères-signed flat Nautilus clasp in 18K white gold is correct, and the hallmarks on the reverse of the case are easily visible. The presence of the original Certificate (code-dated 1981) is an added rarity to this already remarkable horological package.
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. First introduced in steel, 18K yellow gold quickly followed as an ultra-luxurious option.
The original reference 3700/1 was in production from its introduction in 1976 until 1981 and featured a wider bracelet, versus the more tapered bracelet of the successor reference 3700/11. Considered that /1 taper to 16mm, and /11 to 14mm, this means that the last links of a /11 bracelet have about 11-12% less gold than the ones of the present variation.
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. First introduced in steel, 18K yellow gold quickly followed as an ultra-luxurious option.
The original reference 3700/1 was in production from its introduction in 1976 until 1981 and featured a wider bracelet, versus the more tapered bracelet of the successor reference 3700/11. Considered that /1 taper to 16mm, and /11 to 14mm, this means that the last links of a /11 bracelet have about 11-12% less gold than the ones of the present variation.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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