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Lot Essay
Entirely fresh to the market, the present watch is a superb and very rare example of the classic reference 3700/1 “Jumbo” made in 1976, year of introduction of the model. In extremely well-preserved condition, featuring an early, highly charismatic slightly “tropical” dial, the large 16 mm. bracelet and the period presentation box it is a must-have for the serious Nautilus collector.
The most notable feature of the present ref. 3700/1 is doubtlessly its dial, the very first so-called “Type 1” version distinguished by small batons indexes between the numerals as opposed to the dots of later series. Supplied by the celebrated Stern Frères these dials were numbered 93Y*201 TT to the back.
According to research, only an exceedingly small number of the very early 1976/1977 production Nautilus were equipped with this particular dial, which is also shown in the 1977 advertisement illustrated in this catalogue. To date, less than 10 examples of this early version have appeared in public, the majority characterized by a “tropical” discolouration.
For a detailed illustration and description of the early “Type 1” dial see the specific section in ‘A study of the Patek Philippe ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by mstanga. The oval black leather presentation box with beige velvet lining available for the very early examples of ref. 3700/1 and sold with the present watch is also described and illustrated in ‘A study of the Patek Philippe ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by mstanga.
The discovery of this watch presents collectors with the increasingly scarce opportunity to own one of the earliest and untouched examples of this truly landmark reference.
For illustrations and descriptions of the Nautilus see: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II; Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger. Research text, “A Study of the Patek Philippe Ref. 3700 “Nautilus”, mstanga, 2016.
The most notable feature of the present ref. 3700/1 is doubtlessly its dial, the very first so-called “Type 1” version distinguished by small batons indexes between the numerals as opposed to the dots of later series. Supplied by the celebrated Stern Frères these dials were numbered 93Y*201 TT to the back.
According to research, only an exceedingly small number of the very early 1976/1977 production Nautilus were equipped with this particular dial, which is also shown in the 1977 advertisement illustrated in this catalogue. To date, less than 10 examples of this early version have appeared in public, the majority characterized by a “tropical” discolouration.
For a detailed illustration and description of the early “Type 1” dial see the specific section in ‘A study of the Patek Philippe ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by mstanga. The oval black leather presentation box with beige velvet lining available for the very early examples of ref. 3700/1 and sold with the present watch is also described and illustrated in ‘A study of the Patek Philippe ref. 3700 “Nautilus” by mstanga.
The discovery of this watch presents collectors with the increasingly scarce opportunity to own one of the earliest and untouched examples of this truly landmark reference.
For illustrations and descriptions of the Nautilus see: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II; Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger. Research text, “A Study of the Patek Philippe Ref. 3700 “Nautilus”, mstanga, 2016.