Patek Philippe

Manufactured from 1976 to 1998, the reference 3700, affectionately dubbed the "Jumbo" for its remarkable size during that era, marked the first Nautilus model to hit the market. This model served as the cornerstone for what would evolve into Patek Philippe's most coveted line of timepieces. The Nautilus drew its design inspiration from the portholes found on transatlantic ocean liners. The visionary behind its inspired design, much like the Royal Oak, was the late Gérald Genta. Legend has it that he sketched its blueprint in just five minutes while dining a short distance away from a table of Patek Philippe executives.

Despite its imposing size, the Jumbo boasted a slender profile of 7.5mm, courtesy of the ultra-thin caliber 28-255C within, a movement sourced from Jaeger-LeCoultre and modified with Patek's exclusive Gyromax balance wheel. In contrast to its renowned contemporary, this reference featured a two-part case construction to minimize the risk of water ingress, achieving a water resistance rating of 120m. It comprised a central/back case and a bezel with two distinctive lateral protrusions, often referred to as "ears." Both components were fastened by four lateral screws, discreetly located at the "ears" at the three and nine o'clock positions, with a bezel gasket in between. Due to its monobloc case, the crown featured a split stem, facilitating its insertion and removal through the dial side.

From 1976 until 1980, the cases were made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crêt du Locle. In 1980, Patek Philippe launched the manufacture of cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new ref. 3700/11, such as the present example, which features a narrower and tapered bracelet. As the ref. 3700 was originally offered in stainless steel, the reference 3700 in two tone is harder to come by. Scholars suggest that only 200 examples were made for the reference 3700/011.