Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces...
Hong Kong, Nov 25, 2023
LOT 171
PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, CORK BOX, STEEL
HKD 880,000 - 1,300,000
USD 114,000 - 168,000 / CHF 102,000 - 150,000 / EUR 106,000 - 156,000
Sold: HKD 1,100,000
A very rare and fine, stainless steel, self winding wristwatch with matte black dial, ribbed, applied white gold hour markers, tritium and date.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Patek Philippe
Model NAUTILUS
Reference 3700/1
Year circa 1980
Movement No. 1309325
Case No. 540835
Bracelet integrated stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet with deployant clasp, approx. overall length 180 mm.
Diameter 40mm.
Caliber 28-255C
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories PP fitted cork box and paper box, Extract from the Archives dated 2023, instruction booklets and Nautilus booklet
Notes
Launched in 1976, the “Nautilus”, named after Captain Nemo’s submarine (created by Jules Verne in his “Vingt mille lieues sous les mers”), was an immense breakthrough from Patek Philippe’s conservative designs and proof that Haute Horlogerie and audacity can go hand in hand to create an icon that is still relevant 40 years later.
Legend has it that the idea of creating a watch in the shape of a porthole found on transatlantic liners came to designer Gérald Genta (1931-2011), a Genevan designer jeweller, whilst dining at a restaurant during the Basel fair and looking at the Patek Philippe team dining on a table opposite his. The whole design having taken no more than 5 minutes!
Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus Ref. 3700 in steel: • 3700 / 1, from 1976 to about 1981, that featured a straight bracelet and reference; • 3700 / 11, which was in production from 1981 to 1990 has a tapered steel bracelet.
Legend has it that the idea of creating a watch in the shape of a porthole found on transatlantic liners came to designer Gérald Genta (1931-2011), a Genevan designer jeweller, whilst dining at a restaurant during the Basel fair and looking at the Patek Philippe team dining on a table opposite his. The whole design having taken no more than 5 minutes!
Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus Ref. 3700 in steel: • 3700 / 1, from 1976 to about 1981, that featured a straight bracelet and reference; • 3700 / 11, which was in production from 1981 to 1990 has a tapered steel bracelet.