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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1981
    Reference No: 3700/001
    Movement No: 1’307’743
    Case No: 541’551
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin date coded June 1981, instruction manual, product literature, red document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece’s date of manufacture in 1981 and its subsequent date of sale on 30th June 1981.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Taking inspiration from the greatest depths of the Oceans and its most celebrated writer Jules Verne, Gerald Genta designed, in 1976, a watch that would become the horological icon of the 21st century. Named Nautilus after the submarine described in Verne’s book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas, the watch shares its curves with the ones of the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners. Its ‘Jumbo’ case with wide flat bezel, integrated link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement had a masculine, sporty aesthetic that was revolutionary compared to the smaller dressy gold mechanical watches of the time.

    Before being succeeded by the reference 3700/011 with a tapered bracelet, the original Nautilus reference 3700/001 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, like the present example. Early examples of the reference are fitted with broader 16mm bracelets, while later examples are updated with narrower bracelets measuring 14mm at the end.

    Framed in a two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel case, the present watch embodies to perfection the aesthetic cues of the 1980s: statement colours with playfulness. Its gold inner links adds flair, sophistication and suave cool to an already iconic model. Neither was craftmanship and quality left to fate. Its dark bleu dial was handmade with utmost precision by Stern Frères with engraved stripes to achieve a uniform ribbed appeal. Furthermore, the present example is beautifully preserved with a rigid and tight bracelet as well as all its original accessories. This timepiece will surely become a shining and prominent piece in its new owner's collection.

  • 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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980

Ref. 3700/001
A superbly well-preserved two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1981
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$310,000 - 630,000 
€37,600-76,400
$39,700-80,800

Sold for HK$533,400

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