Vintage
Amanico's recent spotting of a Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 in Paris offers a timely opportunity to revisit a foundational reference in modern watchmaking. His photographs provide a rare glimpse of this significant model in the wild, prompting collectors to reflect on its enduring appeal and historical context. This article synthesizes community insights, exploring the 3700's place in the Nautilus lineage and its continued relevance to enthusiasts.
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.
try it on your wrist ?
best of the best, lovely specimen too
My Uncle. a Patek trained watch maker and an Omega AD told me to buy the 3700 and not the two-tone 3800. I was buying our first "good" watches for my wife and I and only the gent's 3800 series was available in 18kt. and SS Dummy me should have ordered the SS 3700 and got my wife the ladies two tone quartz version. Live and learn ;-)
Absolutely Bluetiful! Thanks for sharing, my friend 😊🍻
I was thinking more of 5711 to wear than 3700 because it's a vintage and at that time ard more than 50% more expensive than a brand new 5711. So I got the 5711 instead which I love I already got an AP RO 14802, a Genta's creation too. Both use the same calibre, yes?
So did RO's cal 2121 (JLC based) PP, AP and VC (if I remember correctly) commisioned JLC to make the mov't.
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