PATEK PHILIPPE. AN EXTREMELY RARE AND ATTRACTIVE STAINLESS STEEL AND DIAMOND-SET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, BRACELET, ADDITIONAL DIAL AND CORK BOX

Consigned by an important private collector, the present Nautilus is an extremely well preserved and superb example of the classic reference 3700⁄1 'Jumbo' retaining its original 16 mm. wide bracelet and cork box. Fresh to the market, this beautiful stainless steel Jumbo Nautilus is one of the most desirable and collectible of the 3700 references.

The original dial has lightly tropicalized to an eye-catching golden glow perfectly harmonizing with the stainless steel case. The additional very rare diamond-set dial could be fitted as an alternative if desired. The diamond-set dial was fitted at the request of the original owner just after he bought the watch in 1980.

According to our research, reference 3700⁄1 in steel has been produced to 4'200 examples from which around 10 pieces are known with this configuration. The Nautilus is possibly the most recognizable wristwatch made by Patek Philippe. Designed by Gérald Genta and inspired by the shape of a ship's portholes, it was available as of 1976. With its generous proportions, unusual case design striking the perfect balance between sporting, elegant and understated, and the very robust construction, the first foray of Patek Philippe into the world of sports watches quickly became a worldwide commercial success, and marked the beginning of the Nautilus legend.