PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS JUMBO 3700/11

A highly rare opportunity for collector to have this 3700 Jumbo full set original from the first owner never in the market !

Reference: 3700/11
Model: Nautilus “Jumbo”
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28”255 C, 36 jewels
Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
Dial: Black
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Diameter: 42 mm
Circa: 1982
Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of origin dated 22th July 1982, cork fitted presentation box, leather wallet and product literature
Condition: Very well preserved full set. 

ID SWT: 77026001 

Notes:  The Patek Philippe Nautilus was not only detrimental in paving the path for leisure steel watches from haute horlogerie brands but has been leading the current trend where it cannot meet the immense demand from collectors.

However, as interesting as the new Nautilus models are, the original reference 3700 from 1976 will always have a special spot for collectors as it was the First.

The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and designer Gerald Genta, the Nautilus’ unique appearance was inspired by maritime portholes and named for Captain Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus, in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. 

The reference 3700 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. 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.” 

Giving life to this watch is the caliber 28-255, based on the legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC 920, heavily modified by Patek Philippe. At the time it was the world’s thinnest automatic movement with date, measuring only 3.05mm thick, interestingly it was a movement shared with another steel icon: the Royal Oak.

Patek Philippe produced two versions of the Nautilus ref 3700 in steel: 3700/1 from 1976 to about 1981 featuring a straight bracelet and reference 3700/11, in production from 1981 to 1990, with a tapered steel bracelet, like the present example.

This complete example not only represents one of the most iconic wristwatches available today, but it is in attractive condition, accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and its highly coveted cork presentation box. The Nautilus sought to bring a modern twist to haute horology, and the present lot will appeal to the discerning collector seeking a complete, well-preserved example of this design masterpiece.