PATEK PHILIPPE
REFERENCE 3700/001 ‘JUMBO’ NAUTILUS, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET MADE IN 1980
• Dial: black-blue • Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels • Movement number: 1’309’282
• Case: stainless steel, back secured by 4 screws • Case number: 540’828
• Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp
• Dimensions: 40 mm (10–4 o’clock), bracelet circumference approx. 185 mm • Signed: case, dial and movement • Box: no • Papers: yes
• Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, numbered hang tag, document pouch and Extract form the Archives confirming date of sale on June 29th, 1981
Estimate: CHF 80,000 - 120,000 - € 78.338 - 117.495
The Patek Philippe Nautilus was launched in 1976 during the quartz crisis, which was hitting the Swiss watches industry hard at the time. Created by Gérald Genta, the iconic porthole-inspired design endured the crisis and is still extremely popular today. The first Nautilus reference was the 3700, such as the present lot, and produced until 1998 though steel versions were only made until 1986/1987. Boasting a large case for the time period, the nickname ‘Jumbo’ was adopted by collectors and stuck ever since.
When launched, Patek Philippe advertised the model as possibly the most expensive steel watch on the market which is still accurate today since succeeding references are definitely among the most expensive steel watches produced in series, often attaining even higher prices on the secondary market. The present lot is offered with its Certificate of Origin, numbered hang tag and Extract from the Archives, having been enjoyed by its owner over decades.