Important Watches Part II
Important Watches Part II
Patek Philippe
'JUMBO' NAUTILUS, REF 3700/1A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET MADE IN 1977
Lot Closed
November 12, 09:12 AM GMT
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Patek Philippe
'JUMBO' NAUTILUS, REF 3700/1A
STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET
MADE IN 1977
Dial: black-blue
Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 1'303'655
Case: stainless steel Nautilus
Case number: 532'951
Closure: 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 Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on September 29th, 1977
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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 is offered in honest condition with original dial and later-added bracelet, and further accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its production and subsequent sale in 1977.