Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/011

Ref. 3700/011A superbly well-preserved two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and certificate of origin

Condition Report Sign Up or LoginTaking inspiration from the greatest depths of the Oceans and its most celebrated writer Jules Verne, Gerald Genta designed, in 1976, a watch that would become the horological icon of the 21st century. Named Nautilus after the submarine described in Verne’s book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas, the watch shares its curves with the ones of the portholes of transatlantic ocean liners. Its ‘Jumbo’ case with wide flat bezel, integrated link bracelet, and ultra-thin automatic movement had a masculine, sporty aesthetic that was revolutionary compared to the smaller dressy gold mechanical watches of the time. Whereas Nautilus reference 3700/001 was in production until 1981 and featured a straight bracelet, its successor the reference 3700/011 with tapered bracelet, remained in production until 1990. With its aesthetics kept very similar to its early examples, the later examples were fitted with a narrower bracelet measuring 14mm at the end in comparison to its previous measuring 16mm. Cased in two-tone 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, the present watch embodies to perfection the aesthetic cues of the 1980s: statement colours with playfulness. Its gold inner links adds flair, sophistication and suave cool to an already iconic model. Neither was craftmanship and quality left to fate. Its bleu fume dial was handmade with utmost precision by Stern Frères with engraved stripes to achieve a uniform ribbed appeal. Furthermore, the present watch is one of the rarest iterations of the reference 3700/011, as it is estimated only 300 examples were encased in two-tone 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, while 1500 examples were made in stainless steel. Coming from the original owner, the present example is presented in very attractive condition with a rigid and tight bracelet as well as all its original accessories. This timepiece will surely become a shining and prominent piece in its new owner's collection.