Vintage
Mark in Paris unearths a truly exceptional Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1, a unique 'special order' piece from 1978 featuring a white dial. This post delves into the watch's rare provenance, its 'prototype' designation, and sparks a community discussion on the allure of white dial Nautilus models and potential future designs.
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.
Let's hope it will come true! (but I doubt) Best, Kari
I have said here before that I dream of a thin two-hand anniversary Nautilus with a special movement and a date wheel that matches the dial. But the Nautilus keeps speaking to me. Sat next to a chap at a conference earlier this week who was wearing a 5712. Found myself thinking "nope! Too much going on here! Love the cal 240 but maybe look at the simple version!" So then I looked at pictures of the current 5711 and realised that even as it is, it works rather nicely. I have a Nicolas-esque disli
Another two hands version will be a nice return after a very long while. Personnally I usually like date windows a lot, ecxept maybe when they are put in an akward place on the dial. As for the bracelet, if it was micro adjusted and could be swapped, I fear it would be thicker too. I prefer it remains that way, except if they find a clever solution of course: it wouldl be a nice surprise You seem to be on the good way to get one Esharp! Cheers, Mark
The original Nautilus had the date window so let it be there. At least I'm checking the date quite often. What comes to the micro adjustment of the bracelet, I think it's not a very good idea. Never mind how it would be done, it would increase the thickness of the bracelet and at least partly destroy the lines of the same. I have three Nautilus. All of those fit perfectly and for all of the three watches I have in the watch box one extra link plus one 1.5 link. It might be that in the winter tim
hope it won't be a limited edition though. We'll see!
also introduce a new model for ladies. I will pick up the basic automatic model with a couple of stones around and MoP dial next week for my wife. She has not deserved it but probably the Christmas spirit in Lapland will be once again so strong that she will get it anyhow on 24th December. I would like to see in addition to a new lady model a basic version with two hands and preferably a QP with blue dial. Then I could check how far can I throw my AP QP. Best, Kari
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