Patek Philippe - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 3700/001
    Movement No: 1'306'273
    Case No: 539'265
    Model Name: Nautilus "Jumbo"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28’255, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe Deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin signed Theodor Beyer Chronometrie and dated July 19, 1979, original cork presentation box, Patek Philippe red leather envelop, product literature, 2016 service receipt and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1977 and its subsequent sale on July 19th, 1979.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe with the introduction of the “Nautilus “model in 1976 created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century. It was a new era of luxury with the use of stainless steel for high-end watches, which today is the epitome of masculine appeal with a sporty appearance that can be worn outdoors or in the boardroom.

    Designed by famed horologist Gerald Genta, the “Nautilus” took its inspiration from the sea, with a design reminiscent of transatlantic ocean liners’ portholes and named after Captain Nemo’s submarine “Nautilus”, which explored the ocean depths in Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Released in 1976, the reference 3700/001 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, while its successor the reference 3700/11 with tapered steel bracelet, remained in production until 1990. The “Nautilus “was a ground-breaking wristwatch for Patek Philippe, which ushered in a new dimension to the luxury world of watchmaking, a welcome alternative for smaller gentlemen’s dress timepieces fitted on leather straps. The Nautilus reference 3700’s 42 mm diameter soon became a major product line for Patek Philippe, and today is one of the most desirable watches in haute horlogerie.


    This well-preserved “Nautilus” will surely please the discerning collector not only for its overall appealing condition but also for its original certificate of origin and original cork presentation box. While the case was replaced during a service at Patek Philippe in 1981, the watch retains the special allure of the reference 3700/1. When first introduced to the market forty-three years ago, the Nautilus was not well received, but in time, it has become universally recognized as an exceptional timepiece that is both iconic and classic.

  • 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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Ref. 3700/001
A rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, accompanied with original Certificate of Origin and cork presentation box, retailed by Beyer Chronometrie

1977
42mm Width
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF49,700-99,500
€45,300-90,600
HK$391,000-782,000

Sold for $93,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019