PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 28-255 nickel lever movement, 36 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 21k gold rotor • petrol blue textured dial, applied white gold luminescent indexes, luminescent hands, aperture for date at 3 o'clock, outer pearled minutes track • tonneau Nautilus water-resistant-type case, side-screw assemblage • integrated steel Nautilus bracelet with flip-lock clasp • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The dial is in very nice condition and overall very clean. There is some loss of luminescent paint to the minute hand. The case shows general wear with light scuffs to the back where the buckle has hit the back. The bracelet is rather stretched, but is in nice condition.
"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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1983 and sale on September 27th of that year.

Ref. 3700 was produced for over two decades, with production beginning 1976. Known as the 'Jumbo' Nautilus, this model remains the largest time-only model from the Nautilus family.  

Arguably the greatest sporting model produced by Patek Philippe, the Nautilus has become one of the company's most iconic wristwatches. Gerald Genta, the master watch maker of the eponymous watch firm, made the original drawings for the patented Nautilus case design. The original concept for the model was inspired by a ship's porthole window. During the same period, he also created two other celebrated designs: the Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet (see lot 68) and the iconic engraved bezel Bulgari watch. Genta's design is as practical as it is aesthetically appealing: the Nautilus boasts water-resistance even when the crown is pulled out in the setting position.

Ref. 3700 and cal. 28-255 are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 230-231. 

To the best of our knowedge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.