Introduction
Released in 1976 as Patek Philippe's response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, an avant-garde luxury stainless steel sports watch borne from AP's necessity to survive the Quartz Crisis, the Nautilus was Patek Philippe's attempt to go head to head with AP's increasingly popular sports watch. Designed by Gerald Genta, the same man that had designed the Royal Oak, the Nautilus was inspired by a porthole and thus features a rounded-over octagonal bezel and hinge-like protrusions on either side of its case. Featuring its signature horizontally embossed dial and iconic integrated bracelet, the Nautilus has become the most sought-after watch in the market today as collectors clamor over available examples thanks to its iconic design, extreme exclusivity, and impeccable craftsmanship. Famed as the very first variant, the Nautilus ref. 3700 was nicknamed the “Jumbo” thanks to its enormous, for the time, 42mm case. An unpopular timepiece from the get-go, the ref. 3700 failed to sell as well as Patek may have hoped, thanks to its significant departure from what Patek was known for at the time – complicated timepieces and classical dress watches. So, today the ref. 3700/1J exists as a rare timepiece indeed. As the ref. 3700 was originally offered in stainless steel, the ref. 3700/1J that we have here is one of the rarest with its all-yellow gold 18kt construction, and is estimated to be joined by around 1500 other examples that were produced until the ref. 3700/1J's discontinuation in 1990.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Extract of the Archives
Est. value range
$100,000 – $150,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Nautilus
Movement
Automatic cal. 28-255C
Reference
3700/11
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
1982
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and Extract from the Archives
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a black sigma dial, which denotes the use of precious metal hour markers and hands, this example's case-matching 18kt yellow gold dial furniture is found in pristine condition.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Thanks to its ultra-slim cal. 28-255C movement, the ref. 3700's 42mm porthole-inspired case is an impressively thin 7.66mm, meaning its large footprint fills the wrist without feeling bulky or awkward.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case is thick and well defined, with a flat bezel and sharp edges. There are minor surface marks visible along the bezel surface and edge, as well as in various areas on the case and bracelet. Dial is in excellent condition, with minimal signs of aging or damage on the surface. The luminous is slightly discolored. Hands are service hands and the luminous material fluoresces brightly. Bracelet has 21 links total, 3 of which are removable. It fits an approx 7 1/4" wrist and shows minor stretch.
Our Perspective
An icon within the world of horology, the Nautilus is the ultimate must-have timepiece for any collector, with the ref. 3700/1J being one of the most important, as the earliest variant, and one of the most luxurious with its 18kt yellow gold construction.
