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Lot Essay
The present Nautilus is an extremely is an attractive example of the very rare reference 3700/1J launched in 1976 and produced until 1980. According to research, it is thought that less than 300 examples of the model and its 'sister' reference 3700⁄11 in gold have appeared in public to date.
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.
The Movement - Caliber 28-255 C
Generally agreed to be one of the greatest watch calibers, it was based on the original Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920 of 1967 and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and refined automatic movements ever produced. Crucially it is also very thin at only 3.15 mm., therefore highly appropriate for the slim and elegant Nautilus. The development of the caliber 920 was partly jointly financed by Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. Audemars Piguet fitted their version, now the revered caliber 2120, into the Royal Oak, a further shared familial link with the Nautilus. Vacheron Constantin’s version became their caliber 1120. The caliber 28-255 C is 12.5 lignes and has 36 jewels and 19,800 vibrations. It is supplied with the shock-protected free-sprung Gyromax balance with eight rotatable weights allowing rate adjustment without the need for a conventional regulator index. The winding rotor is formed from a beryllium ring with 21K gold rim, this clever design with four additional ruby rollers to support the rotor around its periphery allows the thinness of the movement to remain uncompromised.
The Bracelet
The wider 16 mm. bracelet, correct for the period, is noteworthy because it is one of the rarely seen very early examples made by the revered firm of Gay Frères who set the benchmark for making superior quality bracelets. Nautilus bracelets made by Gay Frères are among the most desirable and sought after by collectors.
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.
The Movement - Caliber 28-255 C
Generally agreed to be one of the greatest watch calibers, it was based on the original Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920 of 1967 and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and refined automatic movements ever produced. Crucially it is also very thin at only 3.15 mm., therefore highly appropriate for the slim and elegant Nautilus. The development of the caliber 920 was partly jointly financed by Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. Audemars Piguet fitted their version, now the revered caliber 2120, into the Royal Oak, a further shared familial link with the Nautilus. Vacheron Constantin’s version became their caliber 1120. The caliber 28-255 C is 12.5 lignes and has 36 jewels and 19,800 vibrations. It is supplied with the shock-protected free-sprung Gyromax balance with eight rotatable weights allowing rate adjustment without the need for a conventional regulator index. The winding rotor is formed from a beryllium ring with 21K gold rim, this clever design with four additional ruby rollers to support the rotor around its periphery allows the thinness of the movement to remain uncompromised.
The Bracelet
The wider 16 mm. bracelet, correct for the period, is noteworthy because it is one of the rarely seen very early examples made by the revered firm of Gay Frères who set the benchmark for making superior quality bracelets. Nautilus bracelets made by Gay Frères are among the most desirable and sought after by collectors.