Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1978 Reference No: 3700/1 Movement No: 1'306'560 Case No: 540'630 Model Name: Nautilus Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 with black matte ribbed dial and its subsequent sale on June 20, 1979. Furthermore accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box and service papers.
Catalogue Essay
The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and legendary designer Gerald Genta, the Nautilus was inspired by maritime portholes and named after Captain Nemo's submarine, the Nautilus, in Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The reference 3700 embodies 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.
Exceedingly rare, the present watch is one of only 11 known reference 3700s cased in white gold. Moreover, only 9 known examples feature this dial configuration. Having originally appeared at auction in 2010 and consigned by the family of the original owner, this two-owner timepiece has resided in an important collection for many years before coming to the market for the second time.
It is preserved in exceptional condition, with crisp edges and bevels throughout. The 18K white gold Gay Frères flat Nautilus clasp is correct, and the watch remains rigid and tight throughout. All hallmarks are crisp and visible beneath the lugs. Furthermore, the case has a beautiful luster and glows incandescently in way that can only be achieved with the use of white gold.
The condition and ultimate rarity of this white gold Nautilus make it a must have for the discerning collector.
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.