Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1982 Reference No: 3700/011 Movement No: 1'310'501 Case No: 541'004 Model Name: Nautilus "Jumbo" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated October 20, 1984 and stamped by Wempe, product literature, red document holder and cork presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1982 and its subsequent sale on February 28, 1983.
Catalogue Essay
The present example of Jumbo Nautilus is first and foremost distinguished by its impeccable condition of both case and dial, and also by the presence of the original Certificate alongside with the coveted cork box - a collectible in itself - making it an unmissable opportunity for the most demanding of collectors. Originally introduced more than 45 years ago in 1976, the Patek Philippe reference 3700 redefined the meaning of luxury with the use of stainless steel for high-end watches. Reportedly designed by Gerald Genta practicality overnight after taking inspiration from ship portholes, the Nautilus is constructed via a solid mono-block case with clamshell construction. The still alloy used for it (chrome-nichel-molybdenum steel) was specifically developed by the brand for the Nautilus.
The production of the model is segmented into two main series with early examples (until the early 1981/1982) bearing reference 37000-001 and made by casemaker Favre-Perret . Later models - such as the present piece - have cases made by Patek’s in-house casemaker Atelier Réunis and bear reference 3700-011. These pieces feature a narrower bracelet tapering to 16mm, instead of the 18mm found on ref. 3700/1. Inside the case beats the calibre 28-255C, developed on a Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche famed for its performances and thus employed by other notable makers for their sport’s watches, such as Audemars Piguet (they used it for cal.2120 for the Royal Oak) and Vacheron Constantin (cal. 1120). Lean and refined in its profile at only 3.15mm, it is regarded as one of the most legendary movements ever produced.
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.
Ref. 3700/011 An extremely collectible, well preserved and appealing stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate of origin and cork presentation box