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Bill's original post highlights a Patek Philippe "Jumbo" Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 with a rare Oman Khanjar dial, which sold for CHF 635,000 at auction. This article explores the unique characteristics of this white gold Nautilus and synthesizes community insights on its market value and historical significance. Readers will gain an understanding of what makes certain vintage references exceptionally coveted by collectors.

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172

Bill · 2016-05-18T16:02:59Z

Explore the Patek Philippe "Jumbo" Nautilus Ref. 3700/1 Oman Khanjar in white gold. Discover its rarity, auction performance, and collector insights.

PATEK PHILIPPE

"Jumbo" Nautilus "Oman", 3700/1, 18k white gold, 197842mm. Width
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255C, 36 jewels
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Estimate CHF300,000 - 500,000 SOLD FOR CHF635,000

The present Patek Philippe reference 3700 takes a very prestigious position as being amongst the rarest, most exclusive, and certainly the most coveted examples of a Nautilus ever offered at auction. Amongst its many virtues, its bold, white Khanjar at 6 o’clock makes it an extraordinary watch of Royal provenance – and amongst the rarest of all Khanjar watches known to exist.

At a similar level of importance, it further stands out with a solid 18-karat white gold case and bracelet – an exceptionally rare and ultra-luxurious configuration for such an early Nautilus. Manufactured in 1978, the present lot is one of less than 10 white gold examples to have appeared at auction since the model’s original launch in 1976.

Made on special commission for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, this “Khanjar” watch was without a doubt given by him as a gift to a close, high-ranking associate or foreign dignitary. According to scholarship, the tradition of gifting watches by His Majesty began following his defeat of the Dhofar Rebellion working in partnership with the British government. As an expression of his gratitude to the teams of Britain’s elite Special Forces branch, the SAS, he presented “Khanjar” watches to the SAS soldiers who were instrumental in defeating the rebellion.

Shortly after the victory, His Majesty commemorated the occasion by surmounting the Khanjar with a crown. All watches made for him since then feature this attractive, crowned Khanjar.

As there were no authorized retailers in Oman at the time, nearly all of these watches were ordered and sold through Asprey London. On rare occasion, very few were sold through Asprey Geneva, as the present lot. Accordingly, the watch is accompanied by its original box, stamped with the identical crowned Khanjar as found on the watch’s dial. On the box’s inside cover, the prestigious stamp ‘Asprey, 40 Rue du Rhone, Geneva’ is found.

This particular example is preserved in exceptional condition. With hardly any signs of wear and never having been polished, the sharp bevels, angles and curves are perfectly preserved. The dial is original and absent of any restorations, with beautifully aged luminous baton hour markers that match perfectly the original hands. The Extract from the Archives of course confirms the case and bracelet as white gold, as well as the dial, with its steel baton hour markers.

The present lot’s historical significance, royal provenance, immaculate condition, and, superb rarity make it one of the most exciting and important Patek Philippe Nautilus watches to appear at auction in recent years.

Source: THE GENEVA WATCH AUCTION: THREEGENEVA AUCTION 15 MAY 2016

PATEK PHILIPPE Jumbo Nautilus Oman, 3700/1 - SOLD FOR CHF635,000

About the Patek Philippe Nautilus Jumbo Ref. 3700

The Patek Philippe reference 3700 is recognized as the original Nautilus model. It established the distinctive porthole-inspired case design and integrated bracelet that define the collection. This reference was produced for a significant period, laying the foundation for subsequent Nautilus iterations and solidifying its place in the brand's sports watch offerings.

This reference features a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and 7.6 mm in thickness, fitted with a sapphire crystal. It houses the self-winding Caliber 28-20 C, which provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is water-resistant to 120 meters and typically presents with a blue dial, offering a date complication.

The 3700 appeals to collectors interested in the foundational pieces of significant watch lines. It represents the initial vision for the Nautilus, preceding later mid-size and complicated versions. Its production run from 1976 to 1990 saw various dial and bracelet configurations, making specific examples of interest to those studying the model's evolution.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal. 28-20 C

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The white gold 3700/1A is exceptionally rare, and its perfect condition further enhances its value, as most vintage 3700/1A models have been polished.
The high auction price reflects a shift where watches, particularly rare vintage pieces like the 3700, are increasingly viewed as art objects with significant historical and speculative value.
The balance between rarity and desirability is crucial for driving up a watch's price and value, rather than rarity alone.
The 3700G with an Omani seal is considered a strong buy, potentially reaching $1 million in a few years, given its rarity comparable to a platinum 3700.
Some collectors prefer royal dedications to be engraved on the case back rather than printed on the dial, as seen with a GP Sultan of Oman watch.
For some, the primary motivation for acquiring such a unique and expensive watch is its investment potential rather than its aesthetic appeal or signature.

The Discussion

Clueless_Collector

May 18, 2016

For some reason, I've never heard of this country Oman, but man...they are the smartest

watch investor or collectors in the world, putting their emblem in Pateks, Rolexes etc etc.... All these pieces are becoming super collectible items. Who are they, wisdom from Atlantis??? Rgds Raymond

Arie - Mr Orange

May 18, 2016

Oil money has long arms [nt]

redcorals

May 19, 2016

Yup. Some EU oil executive got paid off. No other reason ..

...for this to even come to the mkt. Too much supply glut has OPEC wooing EU to sign purchase agreements.

Bill

May 18, 2016

I think these watches where simply gifts like Domino pizza Rolex.

Or 25 years of service at Pepsi egraved on a case bake. In this case Patek customized the Dials. The watch collectors have created the frenzy.

Esharp

May 18, 2016

The mind - and wallet - boggle

It\'s a nice watch but I remain completely without understanding of this hammer price, or for that matter of any of the other prices achieved at auctions over the last few days... Best E.

RG1

May 18, 2016

Nice Nautilus, just crazy price... [nt]