Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1

Nautilus 'Jumbo', Reference 3700/1 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet | Made in 1978 Patek Philippe

Dial: black-blue Calibre: cal. 28-255C automatic, 36 jewels Movement number: 1'304'668 Case: stainless steel, bezel secured by 4 screws Case number: 536'150 Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter (10-4 o'clock), bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: no Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on June 5, 1978 and cork presentation caseThe Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the most relevant and iconic watch designs today, and the fact that the design of the time only model has not really changed since 1976 speaks to the genius of the original 1976 reference, the 3700. In the wake of the success of Audemars Piguet’s 5402 Royal Oak, Patek Philippe hired the same designer, the legendary Gérald Genta, to create their very own stainless steel porthole inspired sports watch. What Genta returned with was far more organic and rounded than the Royal Oak, featuring curved lines across the bezel and rounded bracelet links. It is said that Genta pulled inspiration from what a Royal Oak would look like if thrown in Lake Geneva and left for a few decades, with natural erosion smoothing out the sharp angles on the Royal Oak. Today, the Nautilus is both an icon of collectable wristwatches and a symbol of elegance, and examples of the original 3700 in steel are highly coveted. The present watch is offered with the original coveted cork box as well as an Extract from the Archives, making it an even rarer treasure to behold.