Patek Philippe
Ref. 3700/1
An extremely collectible and iconic stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate and cork box, retailed by Joyeria Ricciardi
Manufacturer : Patek Philippe
Year : 1978
Reference No : 3700/1
Movement No : 1'305'843
Case No : 536'993, retailer stock no: 176'252
Model Name : Nautilus
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Patek Philippe integrated bracelet, max length 170mm
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Patek Philippe deployant clasp
Dimensions : 42mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Certificate of Origin code-dated September 1979, dated March 3, 1981 and stamped by Joyeria Ricciardi, Patek Philippe Cork box, plastic document holder and product literature. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1978 and its subsequent sale on September 14, 1979 The result of a collaboration between Patek Philippe and designer Gérald 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. Much as the fictional nautical vessel was described as "a masterpiece containing masterpieces," so does the Nautilus wristwatch possess a numerous variety of artistic cues. 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 present example of Nautilus can be considered one of the most unusual and intriguing to ever appear on the market. The first hint to its peculiarity comes when turning the watch: perfectly preserved, as crisp as the day it was stamped, the number ”176252” can be immediately seen behind the bottom right lug. The connoisseur will immediately suspect this to be a retailer stock number, but while at times Tiffany or Gubelin discreetly hand-engrave their numbers on a corner of the watch, here the situation is different: the numbers are boldly stamped in quite a large font and in plain view. The question of which retailer we are talking about can be answered because of another rare trait of this watch: the presence of the Warranty - which is duly stamped by Argentinian retailer Ricciardi, one of the most important South American retailers.
The presence of the Certificate furthermore adds a layer of historical context - which cannot help but bring a smile to one’s face. The Extract mentions a sale date of September 14, 1979. That is when the watch left the factory and was sold to Ricciardi - and indeed the Certificate is code-dated “PSOS” - September 1979. However, the actual sale date to the collector, handwritten to the back of the Certificate, is March 3, 1981. It took Ricciardi about 1 and a half year to sell this steel Nautilus. How times changed! Furthermore, it is accompanied by its original and rare cork box.
