PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS REF. 3700⁄1
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN ICONIC AND EARLY STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS MODEL, REF. 3700⁄1, MOVEMENT NO. 1'305'300, CASE NO. 533'973, MANUFACTURED IN 1976
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN ICONIC AND EARLY STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS MODEL, REF. 3700⁄1, MOVEMENT NO. 1'305'300, CASE NO. 533'973, MANUFACTURED IN 1976
Movement: Automatic
Dial: Blue 'Type 2'
Case: 40 mm. wide
With: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and deployant clasp, overall length approximately 185 mm., Undated Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on 4 January 1978, presentation box
PATEK PHILIPPE. AN ICONIC AND EARLY STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS MODEL, REF. 3700⁄1, MOVEMENT NO. 1'305'300, CASE NO. 533'973, MANUFACTURED IN 1976
Movement: Automatic
Dial: Blue 'Type 2'
Case: 40 mm. wide
With: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and deployant clasp, overall length approximately 185 mm., Undated Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on 4 January 1978, presentation boxConfirmed by the Extract from the Archives, the present Nautilus reference 3700⁄1 was manufactured during the first year of production in 1976. It features an early 'Type 2' dial distinguished by its 'sigma swiss sigma' text, accented 'E', distinct semi-circles within the 'Ps', and non-symmetrical 'K'.
Reference 3700
Introduced in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700 was inspired by portholes found on maritime vehicles. It was the first steel timepiece from Patek Philippe to be marketed as a premier, luxury watch. The original design, as seen in the present lot utilizes a monobloc case, replicating the way portholes are opened on vessels. It is opened through hidden screws found in the 'ears' of the watch. Unscrewing them unlocks the bezel from the case, a tasteful Gerald Genta design incorporating 'form following function'.
From 1976 to 1980, Patek Philippe Nautilus cases were made by Favre-Perret SA, Le Cret du Locle, a top manufacturer that succeeded in the strenuous task of constructing and polishing the highly ornate Nautilus cases and bracelets. Oceanic elements can be seen in the design language of the timepiece such as the utilization of an ocean blue dial with horizontal grooves, meant to evoke the teak decks found on yachts. The timepiece also has an integrated steel bracelet that seamlessly melds with the case, allowing for an incredibly slim and comfortable fit on the wrist.
