Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1980
    Reference No: 3700/1
    Movement No: 1’307’732
    Case No: 540’937
    Model Name: Nautilus “Jumbo”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max overall length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed, dial signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1980 and its subsequent sale on April 8, 1981. Later Patek Philippe leather travel pouch. Further accompanied by Gübelin extract confirming the present watch was sold on April 8th, 1981.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and designer Gérald Genta, the Nautilus' unique appearance was inspired by maritime portholes and named for Captain Nemo's submarine, the Nautilus, in Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Much as the fictional nautical vessel was described as "a masterpiece containing masterpieces," so does the Nautilus wristwatch possess a numerous variety of artistic cues. 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.

    Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus ref. 3700 in steel: 3700/1, from 1976 to approximately 1981, featuring a straight bracelet (the present lot), and reference 3700/11, [see lot 129 for a two-tone example], in production from 1981 to 1990, with a tapered steel bracelet.

    The present fresh-to-market Nautilus is well-preserved and is a highly coveted timepiece in its own right, but it also features a very rare double-signed dial with both the brand name and retailer Gübelin, the famed Swiss jeweler founded in 1854. It is one of just a handful of reference 3700/1 examples to appear on the market to include the name of this prestigious retailer on the dial.

  • 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

127

Ref. 3700/1
A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, retailed by Gübelin

1980
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed, dial signed by retailer

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF70,700-141,000
€73,100-146,000
HK$624,000-1,250,000
S$107,000-214,000

Sold for $114,300

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023