Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1A

Patek Philippe Nautilus 'Jumbo', Reference 3700/1A | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, tropical dial and cork presentation case | Circa 1978

Dial: tropical Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels Movement number: 1'305'610 Case: stainless steel, bezel secured by 4 screws Case number: 536'373 Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp Size: 42 mm diameter (9-3 o'clock), bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: yes Accessories: Gobbi service warranty dated December 1985, Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual and cork presentation caseThis Patek Philippe 3700, featuring an early dial type, is distinguished by its stunning tropical dial—a rarity among vintage examples. The hand-applied printing techniques and craftsmanship of the early dials give this piece a unique character, while decades of natural ageing have transformed its original hue into an exceptionally rich coppery tone. Such deep patina is extremely uncommon, and the striking tropical finish immediately commands attention, impressing even the most seasoned collectors. Produced from 1976 to 1998, reference 3700 was the first Nautilus model to be released on the market and was nicknamed the “Jumbo” for its impressive size for the time. The reference 3700 would be the genesis for what has become the most sought-after line of watches from Patek Philippe. The Nautilus was inspired by the portholes on transatlantic ocean liners and was marketed to be the most expensive stainless steel watch on launch, brazenly commanding the price of a gold watch at the time. Its inspired design, as with the Royal Oak, was the brainchild of the late Gérald Genta, who famously sketched its blueprint in five minutes while dining meters away from a table of Patek Philippe executives. Despite its imposing size, the Jumbo had a slim height of 7.5mm thanks to the ultra-thin calibre 28-255C inside, which was a movement supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre and modified with Patek’s proprietary Gyromax balance wheel. In contrast to its famous contemporary, the reference has a two-part case construction so as to reduce the risk of water entry, accomplishing a depth rating of 120m. It consists of a case middle/back and a bezel with two lateral protrusions or “ears”. Both parts are secured by four lateral screws, concealed at the “ears” at three and nine o’clock, with a bezel gasket in between. Because of its monobloc case, the crown has a split stem so that it can be inserted and removed through the dial side. Originally retailed by the famous Milan based retailed, Gobbi, the watch is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin and cork presentation case.