Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/11

Patek Philippe Reference 3700/11 Nautilus 'Jumbo' | A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1981

Dial: blue Caliber: cal. 28-255 C automatic, 36 jewels Movement number: 1'310'036 Case: stainless steel, solid case back Case number: 539'226 Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet with folding clasp Size: 42 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial, and movement Box: no Papers: noManufactured 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 had a slim height of 7.5mm thanks to the ultra-thin caliber 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. From 1976 until 1980, the cases for the Nautilus were produced for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA in Le Crêt du Locle. In 1980, Patek Philippe brought the manufacture of cases and bracelets in-house to their Ateliers Réunis workshops, marking the transition to the new reference 3700/11, such as the present example, distinguished by its narrower, more tapered bracelet design. Coming directly from the family of the original owner, this Patek Philippe carries a timeless legacy. The watch has remained within the same family since the 1980s, its story intertwined with more than a century of watchmaking heritage. The consignor’s great-great-grandfather was a watchmaker in 19th-century Russia. His son — the consignor’s great-grandfather — trained in Switzerland at a prestigious watchmaking house before emigrating to South Africa, where he and his brother established a watch and jewelry business. That passion continued through the generations. The consignor’s grandfather trained at the same Swiss manufacture before returning to South Africa to run his own jewelry and watch shop, where he likely wore this very Patek Philippe. After his passing in the 1980s, the watch became the sole possession passed down in the entire family and was entrusted to the first male grandchild as a symbol of the family’s enduring horological heritage. The consignor’s father, a master goldsmith and gemologist, preserved the watch in safe for over three decades for him. We are honored to present this fresh-to-market example, in wonderful condition, which is a remarkable piece that stands as both a testament to the family’s watchmaking lineage and to Patek Philippe’s timeless legacy.