Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1981
    Reference No: Ref. 3700/1
    Movement No: 1'309'333
    Case No: 538'940
    Model Name: Nautilus "Jumbo"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 28-255C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Nautilus bracelet, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding 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 1980 and its subsequent sale on February 16th, 1981 and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe introduced reference 3700 in 1976, when the luxury sports watch was but an idea which few high-end watchmakers were ready to fully invest in. Now over forty years later, the genre is one of the most popular and the Nautilus, one of its most successful icons.

    The very first Nautilus was designed by Gerald Genta, the man responsible for creating the Nautilus’s rival, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, four years earlier. The introduction of a stainless steel sports model was truly revolutionary for Patek Philippe, since the manufacture had until then been known for making elegant dress watches from precious metals.

    Manufactured in 1980, this particular example was one of the last first generation Nautilus models before the company’s introduction, one year later, of the reference 3700/11.

    Beyond its status as one of the first generation models, this particular example has become hugely desirable due to very well preserved case, and unusual dial color. Among the most sought-after Nautilus models, for aesthetic reasons, are the ones whose dials have turned tropical over time. The dial of this particular piece is in the advanced stages of turning a wonderful chocolate colour, with golden streaks through the centre, and the overall aesthetic is very pleasing to the beholder.

    In overall excellent condition, this rare first generation reference 3700 is a dream watch for discerning collectors. A final layer of appeal comes from the fact that the watch is in perfect working order, having been serviced by Patek Philippe in 2017. Even more notably, the client was adamant with the company that no element of the dial had to be exchanged or restored, to which the brand obliged.

  • 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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Ref. Ref. 3700/1
A very attractive and rare stainless steel wristwatch with date, tropical dial and bracelet

1981
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€35,200-70,400
$41,000-81,900

Sold for CHF96,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018