Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1’305’380
    Case No: 536’227
    Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe product literature, red document holder, additional link, cufflinks, hang tag and cork fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece’s date of manufacture in 1977 and its subsequent date of sale on 5th September 1978.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The production of the ref. 3700 was segmented into two main series with early examples (1976-1982) stamped with ref. 3700/1 whilst later examples from 1982-1990 are stamped with 3700/11.

    Born in 1977, the present specimen of the ref. 3700/1 with corresponding characteristics of early generation batches was produced a year after the debut of the model. The inner-caseback displays the matching serial and reference number, with the correct 3-digital serial number stamped underside of the hinged ears. But what elevates this specimen to another level is the mesmerizing tropicalization of the dial. Incredibly charismatic, the ripples of blue on the dial have naturally transformed into a sea of bronze patina entirely. Bearing a case number 536’227 and a movement number 1’305’380, the present example falls in the middle of two other tropical 3700/1 examples that Phillips have sold previously. With a recent record of achieving CHF 378,000 in Phillips Geneva Auction: XV, it is no secret that these rare 3700/1 are extremely sought-after by astute collectors when they grace the auction room.

    Phillips is proud to offer this incredibly attractive example of one of the most iconic and desired timepieces ever designed, furthermore the lot is accompanied by the Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1977, the original cork presentation box and a pair of white gold Nautilus cufflinks that goes perfectly with this extraordinary piece.

  • 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.

    View More Works

872

Ref. 3700/1
A rare, superbly attractive and striking stainless steel wristwatch with date, “tropical dial”, bracelet, cufflinks and presentation box

1977
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$620,000 - 1,240,000 
€75,100-150,000
$79,500-159,000

Sold for HK$1,905,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023