PATEK PHILIPPE | 'JUMBO' NAUTILUS, REF 3700/001STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETMADE IN 1976

Dial: black-blue Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels Movement number: 1'302'271 Case: stainless steel Nautilus Case number: 534'020 Closure: later stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 40 mm (10-4 o'clock), bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, presentation case and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on December 22nd, 1977

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the date advancing. CASE: in attractive condition with metal-brushed finishing and nice proportions, though it has surely received some polishing during services. There is some light wear visible with the naked eye. The later added bracelet is in very good condition with minor surface wear and very minor warping. DIAL: in very good condition overall. There is a very fine scratch to the left of the 'Genève' signature, visible with the naked eye when closely examining the case. Some very fine surface blemishes are visible and the indexes have some very minor surface marks too. The luminous indexes have aged uniformly and they react evenly under UV light, fading rather quickly after exposure. The luminous material on the hands reacts strongly under UV light and stays lit, as the hands have likely been replaced at a service. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Patek Philippe Nautilus was launched in 1976 during the quartz crisis, which was hitting the Swiss watches industry hard at the time. Created by Gérald Genta, the iconic porthole-inspired design endured the crisis and is still extremely popular today. The first Nautilus reference was the 3700, such as the present lot, and produced until 1998 though steel versions were only made until 1986/1987. Boasting a large case for the time period, the nickname 'Jumbo' was adopted by collectors and stuck ever since. 

When launched, Patek Philippe advertised the model as possibly the most expensive steel watch on the market which is still accurate today since succeeding references are definitely among the most expensive steel watches produced in series, often attaining even higher prices on the secondary market.

The present lot comes in an attractive condition with a later added bracelet and is presented as a full set with a certificate and presentation case.