259 Patek Philippe Absolutely Collectible and Elegant, Nautilus “Jumbo”, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Certificate, Box, Promotional Booklets, Service Invoices, Original Receipt, Tag, Advertisement and 3 Additional Links, Reference 3700/001

Estimate: €100,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Nautilus
Reference: 3700/001
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1977
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 28-255C
Case N°: 532728
Movement N°: 1303469
Dimensions: 42 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Certificate of Originality, Box, Two Purchase Documents, Promotional Booklets, Service Invoices, Valuation Document from 1977, Receipt, Tag, Advertisement from Newspaper and Three Additional Links

Among all Patek’s masterpieces, in the last years there is one which has gained a really special place in people’s heart thanks to its unique design: the Nautilus. It was launched in 1976 during the quartz crisis, which was hitting hard the Swiss watches industry at the time. Created by Gérald Genta, the iconic porthole-inspired design endured the crisis and is still extremely popular today. The Nautilus has been realized in many different materials and with many complications, all having in common the shape of the case with protruding “ears” on each side of the case and with an eight-sided, curved bezel. When launched, Patek Philippe advertised the model as possibly the most expensive steel watch on the market. It is interesting to notice how this can still be accurate today since succeeding references are definitely among the most expensive steel watches produced in series. The present Nautilus is a superb representative of the rare reference 3700/001, model in production until 1998. Its stainless steel case features a beautiful bezel and the bracelet as well is preserved perfectly. The dark blue dial is pure and features dotted minute tracks of the first transitional example from its earlier examples featuring baton minute tracks. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this further enhances its overall appeal and render it a highlight for the collector of rare timepieces. Exceptional is the set that comes with the watch that the previous owner has kept for many years: certificate of originality, box, two purchase documents, promotional booklets, service invoices, valuations documents from 1977, receipt, tag, advertisement from newspaper and three additional links.