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Lot Essay
The present watch, never offered in public before, is a superb early and exceptional example of the classic reference 3700/1 “Jumbo” from the 1970s. Supplied with the rare original cork Nautilus box and original Certificate of Origin stamped by revered Patek Philippe retailer Gobbi of Milan, furthermore the original Nautilus product brochure is included which describes perfectly Patek’s philosophy behind the model. The very well preserved case and bracelet shows only the lightest signs of use and the perfect “Sigma” dial is enhanced by luminous indexes just mellowed to a pleasing hue. Rarely does such a perfect example from the early years of production come to the market and even more rarely is such a watch seen with its original box and certificate. The large-width bracelet is of the early type without the engraving “Nautilus” on the folding clasp.
The Nautilus Waterproof Case Ref. 3700/1
The case patent design of original Nautilus, reference 3700/1 was registered on 23rd April 1976. Made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crét du Locle, from 1976 until 1981 when production was transferred to Patek’s own Ateliers Reunis workshops. It comprises two parts, the main body and the bezel, at each side is an “ear” which couples with a corresponding flange, the two parts are secured by lateral screws. A rubber seal sits between the bezel and case body and is thus compressed when subject to water pressure forming a perfect watertight seal. The last three digits of the case number are always stamped on the inside of the bezel. The reference 3700/1 was made in stainless steel, steel and gold, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold and platinum.
The Nautilus Waterproof Case Ref. 3700/1
The case patent design of original Nautilus, reference 3700/1 was registered on 23rd April 1976. Made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crét du Locle, from 1976 until 1981 when production was transferred to Patek’s own Ateliers Reunis workshops. It comprises two parts, the main body and the bezel, at each side is an “ear” which couples with a corresponding flange, the two parts are secured by lateral screws. A rubber seal sits between the bezel and case body and is thus compressed when subject to water pressure forming a perfect watertight seal. The last three digits of the case number are always stamped on the inside of the bezel. The reference 3700/1 was made in stainless steel, steel and gold, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold and platinum.