Lot 311
311
Patek Philippe. A fine and large stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet
On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT wil… Read more VARIOUS PROPERTIES In the mid-1970s, Patek Philippe realized they need the addition of a true sport's watch to their line. This realization came after seeing the success of Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak model, launched in 1972. Such a success was the indicator of a shifting market which had by then reached a maturity which not only allowed it to accept, but even to demand an "important" sport watch. Patek Philippe teamed up with the genius designer Gerald Genta - the pencil behind the Royal Oak, the very watch Patek Philippe wanted to compete with - and in 1976 reference 3700 was launched, marketed as "the most expensive steel watch on the market". Its absolute success reverberates unfaded until today. Launched as a simple time-only with date timepiece, its success prompted the brand to create many variations of the model, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of complications. Today it is present in Patek Philippe catalogue in its original time and date configuration (with centre seconds, on the modern version), but also as an annual calendar with moon phases, a chronograph with date, a power reserve with moon phases watch, and a travel time chronograph. Decorative variations instead include pieces with alternative dial colors (chocolate, black, white) and case materials (various gold colors, platinum, steel and gold), as well as jeweled and even enameled timepieces (see lot 317).
Patek Philippe. A fine and large stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, NAUTILUS MODEL, REF. 3700/1, MOVEMENT NO. 1'307'096, CASE NO. 538'364, MANUFACTURED IN 1978

Details
Patek Philippe. A fine and large stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet
Signed Patek Philippe, Geneve, Nautilus model, ref. 3700/1, movement no. 1'307'096, case no. 538'364, manufactured in 1978
Cal. 28-255 C automatic movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 36 jewels, black ribbed dial, applied luminous baton numerals, luminous hands, window for date, water-resistant-type case of typical form, stainless steel Patek Philippe link bracelet, stainless steel deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed
42 mm. width; overall length approx. 170 mm
Special Notice
On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.

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Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black ribbed dial and applied steel indexes in 1978 and its subsequent sale on 12 March 1980.

This watch is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the very first Nautilus model, reference 3700/1.

The legendary Nautilus collection was introduced in 1976 when Patek Philippe was looking for a strong design of inimitable personality. An inspiration for such a timepiece soon emerged: The universal shape of a porthole found on virtually all maritime vessels. Since then, the Nautilus has established itself as a classic elegant sports watch and the original reference, 3700/1 such as this watch, is one of the most sought-after timepieces at auction.

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