Patek Philippe

• cal. 28-255C automatic lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 36 jewels, Gyromax balance • ribbed white prototype dial, applied luminescent baton indexes and hands, outer minute divisions, aperture for date at 3 o'clock • stainless steel brushed and polished Nautilus case, side-screw assemblage • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet and the original black dial

Property of the original owner.

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement is in working order while cataloguing. Dial in good condition, luminous painting partly cracked on the hands. Case with signs of regular wear. Please note that both dials were marked with the same Stern Frères references on the back: 93Y * 210TT which means that the black and the white dial are prototype and was made before 1981.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Please note that the extract from the archives confirms the case as a Prototype and the white dial was made on special request by the original owner and was made by Stern Frères now Stern creations.
Reference 3700/1 was equipped with calibre 28-255 C based on a LeCoultre ebauche, a really thin automatic movement for that time. The cases were manufactured by Favre-Perret and were 120m waterproofed. The dials were hand made by Stern Freres. In 1980 Patek Philippe started to create cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new 3700-11. 

For a description of a reference 3700/1 in stainless steel and the caliber 28-255, see: "Patek Philippe Wristwatches" by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1998 edition, pages 230-231.

Please note that both dials were marked with the same stern freres numbers on the back: 93Y * 210TT which means that the black and the white dial are prototype and was made before 1981.