Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 40. 'Jumbo' Nautilus, Ref. 3700/001, Stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet Made in 1980 | 百達翡麗 | 3700/001型號「'Jumbo' Nautilus」精鋼鍊帶腕錶備日期顯示,1980年製.

Property of a Swiss private collector

Patek Philippe

'Jumbo' Nautilus, Ref. 3700/001, Stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet Made in 1980 | 百達翡麗 | 3700/001型號「'Jumbo' Nautilus」精鋼鍊帶腕錶備日期顯示,1980年製

Auction Closed

November 10, 02:59 PM GMT

Estimate

80,000 - 120,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Property of a Swiss private collector


Patek Philippe


'Jumbo' Nautilus, Ref. 3700/001

Stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet

Made in 1980


Dial: black-blue

Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels

Movement number: 1'309'282

Case: stainless steel, back secured by 4 screws

Case number: 540'828

Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 40 mm (10–4 o’clock), bracelet circumference approx. 185 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: yes 

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, numbered hang tag, document pouch and Extract form the Archives confirming date of sale on June 29th, 1981

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 with its Certificate of Origin, numbered hang tag and Extract from the Archives, having been enjoyed by its owner over decades.