Originally introduced more than 45 years ago in 1976, the Patek Philippe reference 3700 redefined the meaning of luxury with the use of stainless steel for high-end watches. Designed by Gerald Genta, supposedly dining one night meters away from Patek Philippe executives, the Nautilus took its inspiration from the porthole of a ship constructed via a solid mono-block case with octagonal bezel. The production of the ref. 3700 was segmented into two main series with early examples (1976-1982) stamped with the reference. 3700/1, like the present example, whilst later models from 1982-1990 were stamped with the reference 3700/11.

Inside beats the calibre 28-255C, taking blueprints from the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 920 from 1967. The development was financed by Audemars Piguet which revered to cal.2120 for the Royal Oak, Vacheron Constantin with cal. 1120 and Patek Philippe for the cal. 28-255C for the Nautilus. Lean and refined in its profile at only 3.15mm, it is regarded as one of the most legendary movements ever produced. Extremely comfortable and sleek on the wrist, the timepiece lends itself to both physical activity and for the everyday "office" life.

The present example from 1979, in wonderful and honest condition, is accompanied by its original certificate of guarantee dated from 1979 and comes with its highly coveted cork presentation box. The well-preserved “Type 2” dial features a small accent mark to the second “E”, and “σ SWISS σ” applied on the bottom of the dial. Even more interestingly, the present timepiece has been serviced in the past by Beyer. A Beyer service marking in the case corresponds with the Beyer service numbers in the service invoice.

Surely to appeal to even the most discerning of collectors, the present timepiece complete with its original cork box and certificate of origin is a unique opportunity not to be missed.