Important Watches
Important Watches
Reference 3700/1 'Jumbo' Nautilus | A stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, Made in 1980
Auction Closed
June 5, 07:33 PM GMT
Estimate
60,000 - 120,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: blue-black
Caliber: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 1'309'597
Case: stainless steel, solid case back
Case number: 538'962
Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet with double folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 160 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging, Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on November 17th, 1984, service box, four additional links, service hang tag, and document written by the son of the original owner
Designed by the prolific Gerald Genta, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was first introduced to the world in 1976 and marked a first for the venerable Swiss brand. Known for precious metal and complicated watchmaking, Patek now had a stainless steel sports watch for which people could strive. While steel was once reserved exclusively for 'tool watches', it was now being treated to fine beveling, brushing, and polishing. That first Nautilus, known as the reference 3700, or ‘Jumbo’ for it's case size, drew design inspiration from the portholes on a ship. Today, it remains a true icon for the brand and defines it's genre.
While any first generation Nautilus ref. 3700 is a very special watch, this watch does far more than just tell time. Purchased from the family of the original owner, this watch is complete with not just it's boxes and papers, but the detailed memoir of the man who bought new to mark success in a turbulent time. This 3700 serves as a powerful reminder of the ability for watches to carry meaning far beyond 'what time is it?'.
