Phillips Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020 | Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/001 Gübelin sold for EUR 183'446

LOT 872
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/001
A rare and iconic stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, Certificate of Origin, presentation box, retailed by Gübelin
百達翡麗，型號3700/001，精細罕有，精鋼自動鏈帶腕錶，備「Gübelin」錶盤、日期顯示，由古柏林銷售，1970年製。附原裝證書、原裝軟木錶盒

Circa 1970
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$620,000 - 1,200,000 
€68,200-132,000
$79,500-154,000

SOLD FOR HK$1,701,000

EUR 183'446

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Year: Circa 1970
Reference No: 3700/001
Movement No: 1’309’735
Case No: 539’011
Model Name: Nautilus
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C C 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 170mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
Dimensions: 42mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, cork fitted presentation box and Extract from the Archives.
Provenance: The same example of reference 3700/001 with Gübelin signed dial prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 368-369

Provenance

The same example of reference 3700/001 with Gübelin signed dial prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 368-369

Catalogue Essay

The reference 3700/1 embodies every aspect of Patek Philippe's avant-garde design philosophy of the 1970s, from the bold yet elegant curves to the contrasting finish of the case, and even the delicate grooves of the dial culminating in a sublimely robust and elegant wristwatch. The 'Jumbo' refers to the 42mm case with wide flat bezel, integrated steel link bracelet and ultra-thin automatic movement. The Nautilus was a ground-breaking wristwatch for Patek Philippe, which ushered in a new dimension to the luxury world of watchmaking, an alternative for smaller gentlemen’s dress timepieces fitted on leather straps.

Advertisements from the era trumpeted the Nautilus' status as one of the most expensive steel wristwatches and proclaimed "Like the great swords of another age, Nautilus took shape between the skilled hands of master craftsmen." Evidence suggests that of all Genta's iconic designs, the Nautilus was his favourite and he perhaps regarded it as his most timeless.

The present lot is accompanied by its certificate of origin as well as the highly desired cork presentation box. Adding on to the charm is the additional Gübelin retailer signature on the dial above six o'clock, as research indicates that the present lot is one of the handful references 3700/1 to appear on the market to bear the name of the prestigious retailer. Last but least, the present lot was illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger which create a unique opportunity to own a rare and important Nautilus with provenance.