Lot Essay
Perhaps the most significant newly discovered steel Nautilus reference 3700/1 of recent years, Christie’s is thrilled to present for the first time at auction, this hitherto unknown and entirely fresh to the market example of the first Jumbo Nautilus model. An immense rarity and quite probably unique, it is the only known steel reference 3700/1 with diamond index dial double-signed by the revered Zürich retailer Beyer Chronometrie whose signature ‘BEYER’ is placed prominently on the fourth line of the dial above 6 o’clock. Manufactured in 1980 and sold in 1981, it has remained a treasured possession of the original owner and his family for over 40 years. On close inspection the wonderfully untouched and undisturbed nature of the dial can be fully appreciated, the case remains crisp as does the original 16 mm. wide bracelet.
The steel reference 3700/1 with diamond index dial was produced in tiny numbers and is one of the rarest variations of the model. According to our research, of the 4,200 examples of reference 3700/1 produced in steel, only around 10 pieces are known with a diamond index dial. Examples with Gübelin double-signed dials are known, however, the present watch is the only such Nautilus known publicly with Beyer double-signed diamond-index dial. As no further examples have surfaced in the last 40 years, it suggests that the present watch is probably unique. This, coupled with the original family provenance and excellent condition make this steel Nautilus 3700/1 one of the key pieces of the entire reference and phenomenal prize for the serious collector.
This highly important new discovery brings the partnership between Patek Philippe and Beyer Chronometrie into focus. The collaboration between the two companies dates back to the Geneva-based manufacturer's earliest years. It is in fact the longest-standing relationship forged by either company – and, since the Stern family took over Patek Philippe in 1932, one of the most personal: the two have always been connected by more than just business. And so Beyer Chronometrie – and Zurich – was awarded the honour in July 2011 of opening the first retailer-managed Patek Philippe Boutique in Switzerland.
The steel reference 3700/1 with diamond index dial was produced in tiny numbers and is one of the rarest variations of the model. According to our research, of the 4,200 examples of reference 3700/1 produced in steel, only around 10 pieces are known with a diamond index dial. Examples with Gübelin double-signed dials are known, however, the present watch is the only such Nautilus known publicly with Beyer double-signed diamond-index dial. As no further examples have surfaced in the last 40 years, it suggests that the present watch is probably unique. This, coupled with the original family provenance and excellent condition make this steel Nautilus 3700/1 one of the key pieces of the entire reference and phenomenal prize for the serious collector.
This highly important new discovery brings the partnership between Patek Philippe and Beyer Chronometrie into focus. The collaboration between the two companies dates back to the Geneva-based manufacturer's earliest years. It is in fact the longest-standing relationship forged by either company – and, since the Stern family took over Patek Philippe in 1932, one of the most personal: the two have always been connected by more than just business. And so Beyer Chronometrie – and Zurich – was awarded the honour in July 2011 of opening the first retailer-managed Patek Philippe Boutique in Switzerland.