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Lot Essay
The present Nautilus is an excellent representative of the exceedingly rare ref. 3700/11 AJ, launched in 1980 and produced in a very small series only. The accompanying 18K gold Nautilus ring, fully signed Patek Philippe, Genève, is a rarity by itself, the top part in the shape of the Nautilus bezel, the striped metal center resembling the Nautilus dial.
According to research, less than 300 examples of the model were made, rendering it much rarer than its stainless steel counterpart. To date, only around 20 Nautilus ref. 3700/11AJ have appeared in public.
The 3700/11 AJ offered here is preserved in excellent overall condition, the ring and period presentation box further enhancing its overall appeal and rendering it a highlight for the collector of rare timepieces.
The water-resistant Nautilus ref. 3700
The case patent design of the first Nautilus, reference 3700/1, was registered on 23 April 1976. 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. From 1976 until 1980, the cases were made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crêt du Locle.
In 1980, Patek Philippe launched the manufacture of cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new ref. 3700-11.
The new stainless steel used is called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the deployant clasp of the bracelet has been reduced to 14 mm., from 16 mm. of the previous reference.
For illustrations and descriptions of the Nautilus see: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Volume II; Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger; A Study of the Patek Philippe Ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by Mstanga.
According to research, less than 300 examples of the model were made, rendering it much rarer than its stainless steel counterpart. To date, only around 20 Nautilus ref. 3700/11AJ have appeared in public.
The 3700/11 AJ offered here is preserved in excellent overall condition, the ring and period presentation box further enhancing its overall appeal and rendering it a highlight for the collector of rare timepieces.
The water-resistant Nautilus ref. 3700
The case patent design of the first Nautilus, reference 3700/1, was registered on 23 April 1976. 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. From 1976 until 1980, the cases were made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crêt du Locle.
In 1980, Patek Philippe launched the manufacture of cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new ref. 3700-11.
The new stainless steel used is called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the deployant clasp of the bracelet has been reduced to 14 mm., from 16 mm. of the previous reference.
For illustrations and descriptions of the Nautilus see: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Volume II; Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger; A Study of the Patek Philippe Ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by Mstanga.