Back in the 1960s or 1970s, it was quite common for large retailers to stamp their own logo on the dial of watches, in addition to the manufacturer’s logo. While the steel model remains the definitive version of this watch in our books – it was first conceived as a steel model – the yellow gold alternative is not to be overlooked when it comes to collectibility, with a production of about 1,500 pieces for both references 3700/1J and 3700/11J, as well as versions with diamond bezel.Īnd then, there’s the idea of double-signed watches. There’s even a platinum version, which apparently is a unique piece. And that’s for a watch with no special features…īut that’s not all, since Patek also offered its first-generation Nautilus in precious metals, such as the 3700/1AJ (steel and gold), the 3700/1J (yellow gold), or the extremely rare 3700/1G (white gold). Indeed, a steel Nautilus 3700/01A can easily fetch today around EUR 100,000. And that is reflected by prices at auction and established watch dealers. As such, even the more ‘common’ steel model is a relatively rare watch. Altogether, the estimated production is 5,000 pieces, most of them being “large bracelet” models. More precisely, the 3700/01A (steel with large bracelet) has been produced from 1976 to 1982 and the 3700/11A (steel with narrow bracelet) has been produced from 1982 to 1990. The first generation Nautilus, the reference 3700, was produced from 1976 to 1990. The luxury sports watch was born in 1972 and Patek Philippe entered that game in 1976, with its Nautilus watch. The genius behind both the Nautilus and the Royal Oak, designer Geral Genta, also inaugurated the idea of a bracelet watch, an item designed as a whole, where the case and the metal bracelet were conceived as one coherent piece. First introduced by Audemars Piguet and its Royal Oak, the idea was to offer the same level of refinement as the brand’s classic and complicated watches in a more robust and casual stainless steel case. The Nautilus was Patek Philippe’s answer to the newly developed concept of the luxury sports watch. It is a good starting point to understand why the watch we present today is something truly special. And it also reflects the state of the current market, which might be getting out of hand…įirst of all, if you want to know everything about the first-generation Patek Philippe Nautilus, we encourage you to have a look at this in-depth article we published a few years ago. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day.
However, there are even more collectible versions, and we just found one of these ultra-rare, ultra-expensive models, a yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1J, as crisp as new, and with a Gübelin-signed dial. A perfect condition steel 3700/1A is a collector’s must-have. Produced from 1976 to 1990, the first generation Nautilus – the reference 3700 – is a relatively rare model, as even the steel versions were only made in about 5,000 pieces. If you have the slightest interest in watches, you’re certainly aware of the collectibility and (insanely high) market value of the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
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