Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1970 Reference No: 3700/001 Movement No: 1’309’735 Case No: 539’011 Model Name: Nautilus Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C C 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, cork fitted presentation box and Extract from the Archives. Provenance: The same example of reference 3700/001 with Gübelin signed dial prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 368-369
Provenance
The same example of reference 3700/001 with Gübelin signed dial prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 368-369
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3700/1 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 culminating in a sublimely robust and elegant wristwatch. The 'Jumbo' refers to the 42mm case with wide flat bezel, integrated steel link bracelet and ultra-thin automatic movement. The Nautilus was a ground-breaking wristwatch for Patek Philippe, which ushered in a new dimension to the luxury world of watchmaking, an alternative for smaller gentlemen’s dress timepieces fitted on leather straps.
Advertisements from the era trumpeted the Nautilus' status as one of the most expensive steel wristwatches and proclaimed "Like the great swords of another age, Nautilus took shape between the skilled hands of master craftsmen." Evidence suggests that of all Genta's iconic designs, the Nautilus was his favourite and he perhaps regarded it as his most timeless.
The present lot is accompanied by its certificate of origin as well as the highly desired cork presentation box. Adding on to the charm is the additional Gübelin retailer signature on the dial above six o'clock, as research indicates that the present lot is one of the handful references 3700/1 to appear on the market to bear the name of the prestigious retailer. Last but least, the present lot was illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger which create a unique opportunity to own a rare and important Nautilus with provenance.
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.