The first generation Nautilus, the reference 3700, was produced from 1976 to 1990. The luxury sports watch was born in 1972 and Patek Philippe entered that game in 1976, with its Nautilus watch. The genius behind both the Nautilus and the Royal Oak, designer Geral Genta, also inaugurated the idea of a bracelet watch, an item designed as a whole, where the case and the metal bracelet were conceived as one coherent piece. First introduced by Audemars Piguet and its Royal Oak, the idea was to offer the same level of refinement as the brand’s classic and complicated watches in a more robust and casual stainless steel case.
The Nautilus was Patek Philippe’s answer to the newly developed concept of the luxury sports watch. It is a good starting point to understand why the watch we present today is something truly special. And it also reflects the state of the current market, which might be getting out of hand…įirst of all, if you want to know everything about the first-generation Patek Philippe Nautilus, we encourage you to have a look at this in-depth article we published a few years ago. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day. However, there are even more collectible versions, and we just found one of these ultra-rare, ultra-expensive models, a yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1J, as crisp as new, and with a Gübelin-signed dial. A perfect condition steel 3700/1A is a collector’s must-have.
Produced from 1976 to 1990, the first generation Nautilus – the reference 3700 – is a relatively rare model, as even the steel versions were only made in about 5,000 pieces. I envision this watch being worn by someone like Charles Eames or Henry Kissinger, it wouldn’t be a far fetch at all.If you have the slightest interest in watches, you’re certainly aware of the collectibility and (insanely high) market value of the Patek Philippe Nautilus. On alligator vintage strap and generic gold color buckle.Ī real fine watch for the real connoisseurs of tasteful timepieces of the mid century. The rotor is really attractive with it’s clou de Paris pattern reminiscent of what’s to come in the company’s future. The really beautifully finished automatic caliber 2499 is running well with no issues. The fantastic big dome original crystal is in good conditions. Extra umpf is provided by the Gubelin signature at 6, the fabled Swiss jewelry and watch retailer partner of Audemars Piguet from yesteryear. The lovely opaline cross hair pattern dial with applied gold dagger markers is in overall pleasing conditions with some minor aging on the right side peripheral.
The screw back case back is in good conditions. The watch has been lovingly worn and not a safe queen. The hallmark on the back lug is crisp and deep. The lugs are thick and even retaining their original curves.
The 35mm (appearing even larger) 18k yellow gold Calatrava style case is thick and beefy with full proportions and stepped defined layers. To say that Audemars Piguet is just the Royal Oak is sheer blasphemy, what a complete ignorant statement that just erases over 150 years of history in watch making.Ī beautiful gentleman’s watch from the earliest 1950s showcasing APs craftsmanship on all levels.