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Lot Essay
This highly attractive Patek Philippe yellow gold and diamond-set reference 3700⁄4 is one of the rarest vintage Nautilus models of all. Manufactured in 1983, it is surprisingly early for a diamond-set ‘luxury’ precious metal Nautilus. Fewer than 5 examples have appeared publicly, in fact it is so little known that even veteran collectors may never have heard of or seen it before.
In addition to the present lot’s incredible rarity, the timepiece is offered in very good overall condition with a crisp case and bracelet and superb ‘aprior’ dial with luminous gold baton indexes that have aged to a beautiful and even patina. The bezel is Extract confirmed factory-set with 72 white diamonds with a total weight of 0.54 carats. Unusually, the stones are not set directly on top of the bezel but placed on the outer inclined bevel. This charming and highly distinctive detail adds to the complexity and elegance of this very seldom-seen timepiece. Between the beauty and rarity of the gold case and lustrous diamond bezel, this watch is not only an almost mythical Nautilus model it is also a true delight to behold for any serious Nautilus collector.
The Nautilus is possibly the most recognizable wristwatch made by Patek Philippe. Designed by Gérald Genta and inspired by the shape of a ship's portholes, it was available as of 1976. With its generous proportions, unusual case design striking the perfect balance between sporting, elegant and understated, and the very robust construction, the first foray of Patek Philippe into the world of sports watches quickly became a worldwide commercial success, and marked the beginning of the Nautilus legend. The first incarnation of this landmark model is the legendary reference 3700. Scholars agree that normal production included versions in steel, steel and gold, yellow gold and a very limited production with diamonds. The Nautilus offered here was given the reference number 3700⁄4 as part of the family of jewelled timepieces, the most exclusive and rarefied of Patek Philippe's productions.
In addition to the present lot’s incredible rarity, the timepiece is offered in very good overall condition with a crisp case and bracelet and superb ‘aprior’ dial with luminous gold baton indexes that have aged to a beautiful and even patina. The bezel is Extract confirmed factory-set with 72 white diamonds with a total weight of 0.54 carats. Unusually, the stones are not set directly on top of the bezel but placed on the outer inclined bevel. This charming and highly distinctive detail adds to the complexity and elegance of this very seldom-seen timepiece. Between the beauty and rarity of the gold case and lustrous diamond bezel, this watch is not only an almost mythical Nautilus model it is also a true delight to behold for any serious Nautilus collector.
The Nautilus is possibly the most recognizable wristwatch made by Patek Philippe. Designed by Gérald Genta and inspired by the shape of a ship's portholes, it was available as of 1976. With its generous proportions, unusual case design striking the perfect balance between sporting, elegant and understated, and the very robust construction, the first foray of Patek Philippe into the world of sports watches quickly became a worldwide commercial success, and marked the beginning of the Nautilus legend. The first incarnation of this landmark model is the legendary reference 3700. Scholars agree that normal production included versions in steel, steel and gold, yellow gold and a very limited production with diamonds. The Nautilus offered here was given the reference number 3700⁄4 as part of the family of jewelled timepieces, the most exclusive and rarefied of Patek Philippe's productions.