Lot Essay
The excellent condition of the present lot is very pleasing, particularly the beautifully preserved dial with the “Swiss sigma” below 6 o’clock. Patek Philippe Nautilus model 3700/11 in stainless steel is rarely offered to the public. In addition, it is fresh to the market and with a very rare original Nautilus cork box.
In 1980 Patek Philippe started to create cases and bracelets in their own Ateliers Reunis workshops and by late 1981 the Nautilus cases were no longer being made by Favre-Perret as they had been since 1976. At this time the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new 3700-11. A new type of stainless steel was being used called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the bracelet's width has been reduced to 14 mm, from 16.5 mm of the previous reference 3700/1.
The production estimate of reference 3700-11 in stainless steel is approximately 1,200 pieces, far fewer than were made of the 3700/1.
In 1980 Patek Philippe started to create cases and bracelets in their own Ateliers Reunis workshops and by late 1981 the Nautilus cases were no longer being made by Favre-Perret as they had been since 1976. At this time the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new 3700-11. A new type of stainless steel was being used called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the bracelet's width has been reduced to 14 mm, from 16.5 mm of the previous reference 3700/1.
The production estimate of reference 3700-11 in stainless steel is approximately 1,200 pieces, far fewer than were made of the 3700/1.