Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 68. Nautilus 'Three Dots', Reference 3712/1A-001 | A factory sealed stainless steel wristwatch with date, moon phases, power reserve indication and bracelet | Circa 2005.

Patek Philippe

Nautilus 'Three Dots', Reference 3712/1A-001 | A factory sealed stainless steel wristwatch with date, moon phases, power reserve indication and bracelet | Circa 2005

Auction Closed

May 12, 11:39 AM GMT

Estimate

50,000 - 150,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Dial: black-blue

Calibre: cal. 240 automatic, 29 jewels

Movement number: 3’170’156

Case: stainless steel, sapphire crystal display back secured by 4 screws

Case number: 4'330’239

Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe bracelet and double-folding clasp

Dimensions: 40 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: yes

Papers: yes

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, presentation case with outer packaging and inside the factory packaging with setting pin and retail tag

Please note that the estimates are CHF 50,000 - 150,000 and not as previously stated.

The Nautilus reference 3712 was introduced in 2005 and had a very short production run. It is believed to have been made for only eight months and therefore the overall production output is rather low with an estimate of 1700 pieces being sold. At the time of production it was the most complicated Nautilus as it included, in addition to the date which previous models already had: moon phases, a power-reserve indication and subsidiary seconds. The way those indications and apertures are placed on the dial is particular, giving the watch a special touch. 


It was replaced in 2006 by the similar reference 5712, which was introduced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Nautilus model. The two models can be distinguished by a few subtle difference to the dial, specifically the very small applied index at 7 o'clock which could be found on the 3712 but not on the 5712 and the three dots for the powerreserve against four on the 5712. Furthermore, the crown of the 3712 is larger that its successor.


The reference 3712, is a pivotal reference for the Nautilus line. It is a rare occasion to acquire this timepiece which has been produced for a very short period of time. It is also particularly exceptional to see such timepieces in its original factory seal.