Description

The one that started it all. This is the iconic Patek Philippe reference 3700/001 in stainless steel, the first in the long lineage of Nautilus watches, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026. Our present example comes in exceptional condition and is accompagnied by its Certificate of Origin and retailer certificate.

With a case measuring 42 mm across, it was nicknamed “Jumbo” due to its imposing size for the era in which it was released. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, just a few years after the Royal Oak, it is widely regarded as one of his most iconic and timeless creations. The porthole-inspired design of its octagonal case is part of what gave the watch its name, “Nautilus”.

This Nautilus was born with a standard black dial visually closer to charcoal-grey but over time, decades after decades some batches of dials started to develop a “tropicalized” patina giving either a brown, copper, grey or in this case a stunning dark green shade.
It looks as if the dial color is factory, based on how clean it is, some Patek Philippe experts argue that this could be the inspiration for the famous ‘final edition’ ref. 5711/1A-014, with its olive green dial, adding to the historical significance of this early 3700. The watch features applied white gold baton indexes with matching rounded hands, both filled with tritium for luminescence and features the now-signature horizontal embossing. Connoisseurs will notice the Type 7 Dot Sigma inscription at 6 o’clock; (. σ SWISS σ. ) notably, Dot Sigma (Type 6 and Type 7) are precisely the dials that appear to have a tendency to develop a green hue. Other details characteristic of the 3700/001 from early production batches are the slender lettering of the brand signature with rare thin serifs and the wider bracelet.

The extra-thin Caliber 28-255 C, derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s own Caliber 920, allowed the watch to measure just 7.6 mm in thickness and offered a power reserve of up to 40 hours. At the time, it was considered one of the most significant ultra-thin automatic movements ever developed.

The piece of horological history is equipped with an integrated stainless steel bracelet and deployant clasp, both of which have since become classic elements of the Nautilus legacy. One of the few examples of the 3700/001 available with its original Certificate of Origin and a period correct box, this timepiece will prove to be a coveted prize for serious Patek collectors.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.