40 Patek Philippe A rare and historically important, Nautilus, automatic wristwatch in white gold, with integrated white gold Patek/Gay Frères bracelet and Extract, reference 3700.
Estimate: € 600.000 – 1.200.000
A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.
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- Model Nautilus
- Year 1978
- Reference 657439
- Case Material 18K white gold
- Case Number 540'638
- Bracelet Material 18K white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, approximate length 180mm
- Movement Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels
- Movement Number 1'306'573
- Dimension 40mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1978 and its subsequent sale on 14th January 1980.
Introduced in 1976, the reference 3700/1 marked the birth of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, one of the most important and influential luxury sports watches ever created. Designed by the celebrated Gérald Genta, the Nautilus represented a bold departure from Patek Philippe’s traditional watchmaking aesthetic, combining a highly architectural case with an integrated bracelet and a distinctly sporty character, while retaining the refinement and craftsmanship for which the Maison is renowned. Its now-iconic horizontally embossed dial, broad bezel and characteristic “ears” at the sides of the case established a design language that would become synonymous with the Nautilus name. The present example, produced in 1978, is particularly remarkable for being crafted entirely in 18K white gold, including its integrated bracelet. This configuration is exceptionally rare among the earliest examples of reference 3700/1, with fewer than 15 white-gold examples known to have appeared on the market, making the present watch an especially significant example of the first generation of the Nautilus. The watch is preserved with its original 18K white gold flat Gay Frères Nautilus clasp, correctly executed for the model. The integrated bracelet remains notably rigid and tight throughout, an important characteristic when assessing early Nautilus examples and contributing to the overall originality and desirability of the present watch. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming its production in 1978, the present reference 3700/1 offers a rare combination of historical importance, exceptional rarity and original construction.
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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