Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1'306'108
    Case No: 537'089
    Model Name: Nautilus "Jumbo"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 and sale on September 14, 1979

  • Catalogue Essay

    The legend says that, like another iconic sports watch from the 70s, Gerald Genta designed the Nautilus in less than a day. Actually when it took him a night to design the Royal Oak, the inspiration for the Nautilus struck him while he was having dinner at the restaurant of a hotel. Gerald Genta stated that he saw executives from Patek Philippe sitting in a corner of the dining hall while he was sitting alone in the other corner. From his words, it took him 5 minutes, observing people from the distinguished firm eating their dinner, to sketch the watch that would become one of the most sought after designs in history.

    The present reference 3700/1 is of the first generation launched by Patek Philippe in 1976 but a closer examination of the case would display its real singularity. Underneath the lugs, one can find the hand-engraved Ricciardi serial number. At the time Ricciardi was known to add their own numbers to the finest products, notably Rolex wristwatches. We cannot remember another Patek Philippe Nautilus carrying the Ricciardi numbers, or as a matter of fact, any Patek Philippe wristwatch with this unique seal of approval from one of South America's most distinguished retailers.

  • 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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136

Ref. 3700/1
An attractive and very exclusive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi, Buenos Aires

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

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€27,500-45,900
$30,900-51,500

Sold for CHF60,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016