Comments:
3700 and 6.2" wrist: Is it doable?
Hello. I'm new here. Considering a vintage 3700, but as I won't be able to try it on, I am unsure if my 6.2 inch wrist will take it well. I've tried a 41 mm AP RO, and that was too big, the lugs would stick out, but I understand the Patek lugs doesn't quite have that same effect. A 3800 would be the alternative, but I'd prefer a 3700, if it's doable.
For reference: I have an Oysterquartz (you'll now know that I have a thing for these all steel bracelet sports watches), this is how the OQ looks on my wrist (on the picture it is a bit off-centered, nevermind that, point is: It fits great). From lug to lug the OQ is approx 4.2 cm (and 36 mm wide). The 3700 isn't all that different in lug size with its 42.8 x 41.8 mm size. So I am hopeful.
But: I am also very curious about how many removable links the 3700 have, that is kind of essential. To make the OQ fit, I had to remove ALL the removable links (I think it was three). However, I didn't have to set the clasp to it's tightest, it's now set on the 4th hole of seven, so the OQ can fit an even smaller wrist than mine. I assume there is room for adjustment in the Patek clasp too, as the 3700 is an old school type clasp, not deployment?
Any advice? Anyone here with a 3700 who can answer the link questions? Thanks!
Rgs Erlend
Welcome on PuristsPro Erlend!
Well, it is difficult to answer this question as I never had a 3700 in my hands.
I have a 5712 and my wrist is about the same size as yours. There is still the 1.5 link left on my bracelet which can be taken off.
It is perfect on my wrist in terms of comfort and, to me, aesthetically speaking.
But, I don't know how the 3700's bracelet is setup and if it has the same number of links.
I hope someone can bring the info to you but it is quite a rare bird indeed.
Maybe you can contact a Patek AD or boutique and ask them if they can tell you if it has the same number of links as the actual 5711?
However, it is a very nice project that you have and we would love to hear from you when you find what your looking for.
Good hunt
Cheers.
This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-06-03 07:37:16
I have a 5712 and my wrist is about the same size as yours. There is still the 1.5 link left on my bracelet which can be taken off.
It is perfect on my wrist in terms of comfort and, to me, aesthetically speaking.
But, I don't know how the 3700's bracelet is setup and if it has the same number of links.
I hope someone can bring the info to you but it is quite a rare bird indeed.
Maybe you can contact a Patek AD or boutique and ask them if they can tell you if it has the same number of links as the actual 5711?
However, it is a very nice project that you have and we would love to hear from you when you find what your looking for.
Good hunt
Cheers.
This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-06-03 07:37:16
Thanks, hopful
I have PMed a couple of skinny-wristed 5711 owners who say the same. So I am now confident the 5711 will fit my wrist. Question remains if the 3700 have enough removable links or if it's different somehow, but that's a bridge to cross later, for now, the Patek hunt is on.
Nautilus on a small wrist
Dear Erlend,
I can identify with you because I have the same size wrist. And yes, it can be a challenge to find watches that fit properly from a visual as well as comfort standpoint.
But in this case, you are going to be fine with the 3700, or for that matter, even the 5711 Nautilus. I can tell you this with confidence because I own both references and each of their bracelets can be sized by the natural removal of links to fit me perfectly. You'll probably have to remove most/all of the adjustable links on the 3700 but you'll get there, assuming that you don't expect to wear the watch really tight but instead will allow for comfortable breathing room. The only thing to watch out for on a vintage piece such as 3700 is bracelet stretch, which if too pronounced will work against you in this situation.
The adjustability that you'll need will come from removal of links, but not from the clasp, which unlike with a Rolex, isn't adjustable at all.
You'll love the 3700, which is an absolute icon of great watch design, and I would really caution you against going with a 3800, because while a smaller watch would seem to make more sense for a small wrist, it will probably have the opposite effect of exacerbating the small appearance of your wrist, sort of like a 31 mm mid-size Rolex would do. You've probably tried these, but with not much satisfaction I assume?
Anyway, that's the best advice that I can offer you from my own experience, and best of luck!
bobrobert
I have a small wrist as well and need to make all
sorts of adjustments until I can get a watch to feel just right, the same as you did with your Rolex. The 3700 does not have the adjustable "fitting clasp" as your Rolex so you don't have the capability of getting close and then adjusting the clasp by moving a springbar for exact fitting.
The 3700 has the blade style folding clasp which is different from the double folding clasp seen on the later Nautilus models. That can affect fitting as the position of the blade on the inside of your wrist may feel uncomfortable. I currently have a 3800 which has the newer single blade style folding clasp and ended up buying a " 1 1/2" link which allowed for the watch to not only be the right length but also the perfect position of the clasp. Check and see if a "1 1/2" link is available for the 3700 and if so, I believe you will be able to have it fit you correctly.
I have a 3710 here with the double folding buckle and there are plenty of links to remove to get close to a proper fit but would suspect I would nee the "1 1/2" link to get it perfect or at the very least close to perfect.
Hope this helps.
Thanks guys
My conclusion is there won't be a problem with the 5711, while there still are some questions surrounding the 3700. But then, if one gets the chance at a 3700, you've got to take it, right? Worst case I'll have to sell it and get a 5711. I'll keep you updated, but it might take a while...
Ref. 5800/1A
Hi Erlend!
You could also try Ref. 5800. The case is 1 mm larger than ref. 3700 and is powered by the more modern calibre 330SC movement with up to 48 hours' power reserve. It was released in 2006 together with the 5711 to celebrate 30 years anniversary of the Nautilus but was discontinued by Patek after only 3 years of production due to low demand for smaller-size Nautilus.
I have very small wrists myself (6.2" -- 6.3") and that's the reason why I purchased the 5800 in 2009 (last year when this reference was produced). I find that the watch is extremely comfortable and wears perfectly on my wrist. I have had a few links removed from the bracelet by Patek.
I also owned 5711G (which is the same size as the SS 5711) for a year and found it much too big and uncomfortable for my wrist, so much so that I have had to sell it.
After owning my 5800 for 6 years, I am contemplating selling it to fund another purchase. The watch is being serviced by Patek at the moment but I am expecting to get it back any day now. Please let me know if you're interested in it. It's a very rare reference and the watch is hard to come by.
Thank you,
Eugene
You could also try Ref. 5800. The case is 1 mm larger than ref. 3700 and is powered by the more modern calibre 330SC movement with up to 48 hours' power reserve. It was released in 2006 together with the 5711 to celebrate 30 years anniversary of the Nautilus but was discontinued by Patek after only 3 years of production due to low demand for smaller-size Nautilus.
I have very small wrists myself (6.2" -- 6.3") and that's the reason why I purchased the 5800 in 2009 (last year when this reference was produced). I find that the watch is extremely comfortable and wears perfectly on my wrist. I have had a few links removed from the bracelet by Patek.
I also owned 5711G (which is the same size as the SS 5711) for a year and found it much too big and uncomfortable for my wrist, so much so that I have had to sell it.
After owning my 5800 for 6 years, I am contemplating selling it to fund another purchase. The watch is being serviced by Patek at the moment but I am expecting to get it back any day now. Please let me know if you're interested in it. It's a very rare reference and the watch is hard to come by.
Thank you,
Eugene
Hm...
I think you're mistaken here: The 3700 is about 42 mm, the 5711 is about 43 mm, and the 5800 is 38.4 mm wide. So the difference from the 5800 to the Jumbo models is pretty big.
The 5800 is, however, about 1 mm larger than the 3800, which I think you must've meant when you wrote 3700? But I am not really considering that one.
Several 6 inch wrist people have told me the Nautilus Jumbo works great for them (unlike the AP RO Jumbo). But you think it's too big? Hm. I'm leaning towards the 3700/5711 anyway, because if it all goes sideways, and doesn't fit comfortably, at least there won't be a problem selling the 5711 or 3700 for pretty much what I paid myself (maybe even more). They seem a safer bet, that way.
5711
You're absolutely right, I've mixed up refences 3700 and 3800, sorry.
With regards to the 5711G: I found the case to be too big, angular and heavy and it was honestly one of the most uncomfortable watches I've ever worn. Part of the problem was the weight (it is quite heavy) and the fact that it can only be worn on a strap, so the much lighter 5711 on a bracelt could be a different story. I tried a 5711 recently in the Patek salon in London and, although it is much lighter and I still found it much too big with the lugs too close to the edges of my wrist. The case of the watch covers the whole width of the wrist and I find it both uncomfortable and unappealing aesthetically. The Nautilus is a slim/flat watch and it just doesn't look nice worn like this (picture not mine):
That said, I've heard lots of people with smaller wrists sing praises to teh fit of their 5711s, maybe it's just not my cup of tea
Reference 3700 is supposedly 1mm smaller than 5711, so it could be a (slightly) better fit for someone with small wrists.
This message has been edited by screencleaner on 2015-06-06 16:16:27
With regards to the 5711G: I found the case to be too big, angular and heavy and it was honestly one of the most uncomfortable watches I've ever worn. Part of the problem was the weight (it is quite heavy) and the fact that it can only be worn on a strap, so the much lighter 5711 on a bracelt could be a different story. I tried a 5711 recently in the Patek salon in London and, although it is much lighter and I still found it much too big with the lugs too close to the edges of my wrist. The case of the watch covers the whole width of the wrist and I find it both uncomfortable and unappealing aesthetically. The Nautilus is a slim/flat watch and it just doesn't look nice worn like this (picture not mine):
That said, I've heard lots of people with smaller wrists sing praises to teh fit of their 5711s, maybe it's just not my cup of tea
Reference 3700 is supposedly 1mm smaller than 5711, so it could be a (slightly) better fit for someone with small wrists.
This message has been edited by screencleaner on 2015-06-06 16:16:27
Yes, but ...
I agree that the picture you showed was too big a watch on too small a wrist. But I am fairly confident it won't look like that on me. Maybe I have more flat wrists or something, this is my Osterquartz, which is about 42 mm lug to lug -- same as the 3700 -- and you can see that there is still more wrist left where the lugs end...
Indeed,
... your wrist appears to be a different shape and slightly bigger than the wrist of the guy in the picture I posted. Well, I really hope the 5711 works out for you then and it brings you a lot of joy!
patek 5800
Hi Eugene,
Did you sell your Patek 5800??
Im extremely interested in the watch.
Pls let me know asap
Without any problem. I would just check the comfort.
The bracelet is a bit like a razor for hairy wrists...
No pain, no gain
Not very hairy wrists, anyway, one has to suffer a bit for beauty, no? Hehe.
Well I didn't get the 3700 ...
... it was auctioned on Bonhams today. Estimate was surprisingly low, £6000-£8000, so I was hoping, but in the end it went for £19.000. Seems the collectors are preparing for the 40th anniversary next year ...
Btw: There is another 3700 up for auction in two weeks: http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/patek-philippe,-rare-jumbo-nautilus,-with-origina-2538-c-9684f60b19
But I find something a bit off with that dial. The Patek logo seems misplaced. Compared to the Bonhams one (top), which I think looks correct, the Patek logo on the other one seems misplaced. The Bonhams has two horizontal dial lines above and below logo, the other one has two above and three below.
What do you guys think? Something's not right with the bottom one imo.
it is
I think the thinness of the watch and flush fit will work fine for you. Perhaps you should also look at the AP Royal Oak in the older 36mm size as a nice alternative to all the large watches of today.