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PATEK PHILIPPE
Nautilus (*sales commission 26% excl. VAT / 31.2% incl. VAT)
Fees include commission and taxes.
Nautilus (*sales commission 26% excl. VAT / 31.2% incl. VAT)
Ref. 3700/1
Case no. 545016
Movement no. 1308468
Manufactured in 1979 and sold on 11 November 1980 18k yellow
gold wristwatch (750)
Case: cushion-shaped with distinctive side flanks, screw-down clasp on the middle, fluted crown with guard on the middle, solid caseback, signed and numbered
Dial: black with a horizontal ‘black grid’ pattern, featuring applied luminescent baton hour markers, outer minute track with dots, luminescent baton hands, date window, signed
Movement: automatic, ‘Côtes de Genève’ decoration, calibre 28-255 C, signed and numbered
Strap / Clasp: integrated 18k yellow gold (750) strap with folding clasp, signed
Diam. 42 mm Gross
weight. 193.9 g Wrist
circumference: approx. 18.
5 cm Accessories: period lacquered wooden case, a pouch and an extract from the Patek Philippe archives issued on 20 May 2020 certifying manufacture in 1979 and sale on 11 November 1980
*PLEASE NOTE, the rate of 19.2% incl. VAT applies only to classic cars.
The successful bidder must pay, in addition to the hammer price, the following buyer’s fees per lot:
- For sales in the Watches and Leather Goods departments (degressive fees):
• 26% excl. VAT + VAT at the current rate, i.e. 31.2% incl. VAT on the first €900,000
• 23% excl. VAT + VAT at the current rate, i.e. 27.6% incl. VAT on amounts exceeding €900,001
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 3700: A Revolution in Watchmaking
The Reference 3700, launched in 1976, marks a decisive turning point in the history of Patek Philippe and luxury watchmaking. This revolutionary creation was born of the bold vision of Gérald Genta, the legendary designer who revolutionised the aesthetic codes of the era.
The Genius of Gérald Genta
Gérald Genta, a legendary figure in watch design, conceived the Nautilus at a time when the Swiss watch industry was undergoing profound change. Faced with the quartz crisis, watch manufacturers were seeking new avenues of expression. Gérald Genta proposed a radically different approach: a stainless steel sports watch for a brand renowned for its timepieces in precious metals.
The inspiration came from an ocean liner’s porthole, hence the name “Nautilus” in reference to Captain Nemo’s submarine. The octagonal case with rounded corners, the integrated bezel and the dial with a horizontal pattern create an instantly recognisable visual identity.
Technical Specifications of Reference 3700
• 42 mm diameter 18k yellow gold
(750) case • Calibre 28-255 C automatic
movement • Black dial with horizontal “noir tramé” pattern
• Integrated 18k yellow gold bracelet (750)
This watch perfectly embodies the ‘sport-chic’ spirit that would define a new category of watchmaking. Production of this first Reference 3700/1 spanned from 1976 to 1981; our example is among the very last to be produced, judging by its date of manufacture and sale.
A Lasting Legacy The
3700 model lays the foundations for a collection that has spanned the decades whilst retaining its innovative character. It perfectly illustrates the ability of certain watchmakers to reinvent their codes whilst preserving their technical excellence. This year, Patek Philippe celebrates the 50th anniversary of this legendary model.