
Nautilus 'Jumbo', Reference 3700/4J | A yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with date and bracelet | Made in 1983
Auction Closed
May 11, 11:29 AM GMT
Estimate
120,000 - 240,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: blue
Calibre: cal. 28-255 C automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 1'311'005
Case: 18k yellow gold and diamond-set, bezel secured by 4 screws
Case number: 549'449
Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 42 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 170 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming sale on January 19th 1988 and associated travel case
Originally unveiled in 1976 by Patek Philippe and designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, the Nautilus reference 3700 was the first sport watch in the 137-year history of the manufacture. It was voluminous and made of steel, although the prevailing trend favored very slender watches in gold. It was water resistant to 120 meters, a sensation at the time. And unlike any other wristwatch, it embodied a maritime, nautical aspect. The reference 3700 was in production until 1998.
The movement is an ultra-thin, automatic caliber 28-255 C, which remains the thinnest automatic movement with a center rotor ever produced. The integrated bracelet is one of the key features of the Nautilus, one of the most comfortable sport bracelets ever made.
Less than 1,150 timepieces were produced in yellow gold for a total production of 7,300 references 3700.
This present piece however is not any 3700J. It is fitted with a bezel fitted to its edge with factory diamonds. This unusual place to set the precious stones has a subtle yet efficient and attractive effect of underlining and elevating the legendary design of the Nautilus.
These pieces with such feature are known under the reference 3700/4. Less hand a handful of these watches are known on the international market, making the emergence of the present lot an important and unmissable opportunity.