Patek Philippe

damascened nickel lever movement (cal.28-255C), stamped with the seal of Geneva, 36 jewels, gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, gold rimmed rotor, ribbed black matte dial, applied luminescent baton numerals, aperture for date,  water-resistant type Nautilus case with protected crown, case, dial and movement signed, with stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet and folding clasp, accompanied by an Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives and a spare link

The accompanying Extract from the Archives confirms that this watch was manufactured in 1978 and sold on February 12th, 1980.

Arguably the greatest sporting model produced by Patek Philippe, the Nautilus has become one of the company's most iconic wristwatches. The present lot is known as the 'Jumbo' model and is the largest of the Nautilus series. Reference 3700 was launched in 1976 and was designed to be water-resistant to 120 metres; its final official listing was in the 1986 Patek Philippe catalogue. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the model, Patek Philippe launched a new Nautilus range on October 12th, 2006.

 The present lot belongs to the first series of the reference 3700. Until 1980, the bracelet of the 3700 was heavier and links wider down towards the clasp; after this time, largely due to the increase in the cost of gold, the links were manufactured more narrowly and consequently were lighter. In 1980 the reference number of the model changed to 3700/11. Reference 3700 is illustrated in Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p.231-232.