Patek Philippe
Reference 3700/001 Nautilus | Retailed by Gübelin: A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1980
Auction Closed
June 5, 07:33 PM GMT
Estimate
80,000 - 160,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: blue-black
Caliber: cal. 28 255C automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 1’306’037
Case: stainless steel, solid case back
Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 42 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm
Signed: case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Patek Philippe cork presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin dated May 22nd, 1980, and booklet
Introduced at Basel in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was designed by Gerald Genta in an era that marked a turning point for sports watches. Stainless steel, once relegated to tool watches, was now being sculpted into elegant timepieces using fine beveling, brushing, and polishing – all techniques typically reserved for precious metal watches. The Nautilus 3700, known as the ‘Jumbo’ for its 42 mm case size, draws inspiration from the portholes on a ship, and its complex bezel shape takes full advantage of the masterful polishing work that Patek Philippe is capable of, with fine brushing, beveling, and detailing.
While the watch diameter is large, the case profile is incredibly slim at just 7.5mm, owing to the technically impressive calibre 28-255C sourced from Jaeger LeCoultre. Our present example is quite special, being a 3700/001 from the initial run of the 3700. It was retailed by Gübelin and features a double-stamped dial bearing the retailer’s signature. Furthermore, it is accompanied by its original inner cork box, outer box, Certificate of Origin, and owner’s manual. Seldom do we see such complete 3700s offered, and it is made even more special by the presence of a ‘double-stamped’ dial.