Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1979
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1'306'829
    Case No: 538'507
    Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo”
    Material: Stainless Steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28’255, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by the original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1979, cork box, outer box, leather wallet, product literature, and two additional stainless steel bracelet links. Furthermore accompanied by copy of A Study of Patek Philippe 3700 Nautilus by Mstanga.
    Literature: This watch is featured prominently as the benchmark for a 3700 in A Study of Patek Philippe reference 3700 by Mstanga

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the introduction of the “Nautilus “model in 1976, Patek Philippe 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 in any occasion.

    Advertisements from the launch era boast the fact that one of the most expensive watches in the world was made of steel - an enormously brave marketing move which at the time was actually not sure to pay off.

    In the past 45 years, the 3700 has become an icon whose success has never receded. Many studies were made on this reference but no other publication than “A Study of Patek Philippe Reference 3700” book by Mstanga has covered this iconic reference in such depth from the different subtle dial variations, bracelet and clasp references to the boxes. This book has become a reference reading material for collectors and scholars and this lot will be accompanied by a copy of the guide.

    We are delighted to offer THE Patek Philippe reference 3700 with original flat hands and number matching original bezel that was illustrated in the book as the benchmark. In absolutely superlative condition it is this watch’s dial, case, bracelet, clasp and cork box were illustrated to show what the perfect and original example should be.

    Accompanied by Certificate of Origin, product literature and original cork box – which has become a highly coveted item in its own right, the present reference Nautilus is an exceptional timepiece that has gone down into history as being the benchmark for what an all original 3700 should be.

  • 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. 3700/1
A rare, highly attractive and well preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate of origin and cork presentation box

1979
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€92,600-185,000
$109,000-218,000

Sold for CHF189,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020