Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1981
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1’309’653
    Case No: 539’337
    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, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Orologeria Svizzera Florence dated 19th October 1981 and retailer certificate.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The production of the Patek Philippe ref. 3700 was segmented into two main series, with early examples (1976-1982) stamped as ref. 3700/1, while later examples produced from 1982 to 1990 are stamped as 3700/11.

    What elevates this specimen to another level is its mesmerizing hue of the dial. Incredibly charismatic, during the 1980s, these hand-made ridged Nautilus dials manufactured by Stern Fréres features the Dot Sigma designation at 6 o'clock. Most commonly associated by scholarship as the Type 6 (σ . SWISS . σ) and Type 7 dial (. σ SWISS σ. ) variant, these dials over time has the tendency of developing a subtle greenish grey tone throughout. Only a handful of Type 7 dial examples have surfaced in the market, all ranging from movement 1'309'XXX, they carry this distinct sea-green hue that is truly impressive. Additionally, this timepiece matches all the defining characteristics of its iteration, including a brand signature with rare thin serifs.

    Recent scholarship suggests that this variant of the ref. 3700 served as an inspiration for the equally sought-after and scarce modern Nautilus ref. 5711/1A-014 “olive green” dial.

    Made circa 1981, the present stainless steel specimen of the ref. 3700/1 exhibits the characteristics of early generation batches, notably featuring a wider bracelet. The inner caseback displays the matching serial and reference numbers, along with the correct three-digit serial number stamped on the underside of the hinged ears.

    Exceptionally pleasing and highly collectible with its sea-green dial where connoisseurs will definitely appreciate. The lot is further accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin and retailer certificate from October 1981, a rarity as most examples have unfortunately been lost.

    Phillips would like to thank Mstanga for the research of the present timepiece.

  • 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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Property of an Important European Collector

909

Ref. 3700/1
An extremely rare, very attractive and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and Certificate of Origin

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

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,500,000 
€92,000-177,000
$100,000-192,000

Sold for HK$1,270,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024