PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN - photo 1
PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN - photo 2
PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN - photo 3
PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN - photo 4

PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN

Sold
$ 138 600
Auction dateClassic
06.06.2023 10:00UTC -04:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
USA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 972009
Lot 44 | PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN
PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3700/1, NAUTILUS, A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND “TROPICAL” DIAL, RETAILED BY GÜBELIN

CIRCA: 1977

CASE MATERIAL: Steel

CASE DIAMETER: 40mm

MOVEMENT NO’: 1303682

CASE NO’: 533935

BRACELET MATERIAL: Steel

BRACELET SIZE: 8.75 inches / 220mm

DIAL: Blue, Signed Gübelin

MOVEMENT: Automatic

FUNCTIONS: Date

BOX: Yes

PAPERS: Yes

ACCESSORIES: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin from Gübelin Dated 25 November 1977, Gübelin Certificate of Guarantee Dated 25 November 1977, Original Purchase Receipt from Gübelin Dated 24 November 1977, Presentation Box, Product Literature





Literature

Introduced in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700 was inspired by portholes found on maritime vehicles. It was the first steel timepiece from Patek Philippe to be marketed as a premier, luxury watch. The original design, as seen in the present lot utilizes a monobloc case, replicating the way portholes are opened on vessels. It is opened through hidden screws found in the “ears” of the watch. Unscrewing them unlocks the bezel from the case, a tasteful Gerald Genta design incorporating "form following function."



From 1976 to 1980, Patek Philippe Nautilus cases were made by Favre-Perret SA, Le Cret du Locle, a top manufacturer that succeeded in the strenuous task of constructing and polishing the highly ornate Nautilus cases and bracelets. Oceanic elements can be seen in the design language of the timepiece such as the utilization of an ocean blue dial with horizontal grooves, meant to evoke the teak decks found on yachts. The timepiece also has an integrated steel bracelet that seamlessly melds with the case, allowing for an incredibly slim and comfortable fit on the wrist.



Fresh to market and from the family of the original owner, the watch belonged to a successful businessman, dedicated philanthropist, and a true hero to his family. Born in Italy in the early 1920s, the original owner grew up in a small, quiet town in Sardinia. When the Second World War broke out, like many young men of his generation, he joined the fight against Mussolini's regime in the Alps. Following the war, having lost most of his family, he decided to study industrial design and leave Europe to embark on a journey to South America. There, he joined a company in the leather business and having spent many years designing and consulting for different tanneries, he was gifted this Patek Philippe in recognition of his dedication and loyalty.



Proudly enjoying the timepiece for the ensuing decades, watch developed a remarkable, even, tropical patina thanks to years under the South American sun. Parts of the silvered blue dial have become golden and sparkle in the light, further evoking a nautical essence such as the sun reflecting off the ocean. Amazingly, the timepiece comes full set including its original Certificate of Origin from Patek Philippe, paperwork and receipt from Gübelin, presentation box, and product literature. Further, the dial is also signed by Gübelin, adding to the incredible rarity, desirability, and alluring nature of this complete-set wristwatch.
Manufactur:Patek Philippe
Applied technique:Self-winding, Date display, Metalwork
Medium:Steel
Art style:Pre War, Vintage
Place of origin:Europe
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
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06.06.2023
Phone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
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