227 Patek Philippe A stunning, rare and sought-after, Nautilus, automatic wristwatch in steel, retail by Tiffany & Co., two Patek Philippe Extract, Tiffany Archives and box, reference 3700.
Estimate: € 130.000 – 260.000
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- Model Nautilus
- Year 1981
- Reference 657439
- Case Material Stainless steel
- Case Number 539'113
- Bracelet Material Stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet, approximate length 180mm
- Movement Automatic, cal.28-255C, 36 jewels
- Movement Number 1'301'486
- Dimension 42mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Accessories Accompanied by two Patek Philippe Extracts from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1973 and its subsequent sale on 10th December 1981, Tiffany correspondance, Tiffany and Co. Archives, Archives research Certificate, Tiffany advertising, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Introduced in 1976, the reference 3700 marked the birth of the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the beginning of one of the most influential chapters in the history of luxury sports watches. Designed by the celebrated Gérald Genta, its distinctive form was inspired by the portholes of an ocean liner, while its name evokes the Nautilus, the legendary submarine commanded by Captain Nemo in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Conceived as a robust yet refined timepiece, the Nautilus was water-resistant to 120 metres, an exceptional specification for a luxury wristwatch of its era. Dating to 1981, the present reference 3700 in stainless steel is distinguished above all by its highly coveted double signature of Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. Particularly interesting is its documentation: the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives issued in 2017 records the movement as having been manufactured in 1973, three years before the Nautilus was officially introduced in 1976. This date therefore refers specifically to the movement’s manufacture and not to the complete watch, offering a fascinating insight into the chronology of its production and assembly. The watch is accompanied by an exceptionally complete ensemble, including the original Patek Philippe Extract from 2017, a further Extract issued in 2026 (without any remarks), and Tiffany & Co. documentation. Remarkably, the case retains the Tiffany & Co. inventory numbers discreetly engraved between the lugs, as was customary for watches retailed by the prestigious house. The combination of the iconic reference 3700, stainless-steel construction, Tiffany & Co. signature and exceptional documentation makes the present watch a highly important collector’s example.
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GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle
HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central
MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11
BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20