Description
Inspiration
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Reference 3700/001
Stainless Steel
Black Dial
Manufactured in 1977, Sold in 1979
Original Cork Box, Original Papers, Archive Papers, Booklet, and Patek Philippe Nautilus Aquanaut Book by Guideo Mondani Editore (this exact Nautilus is in the book!)
This example features a provenance package that is virtually impossible to replicate:
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The Original "Cork" Box: These boxes are legendary and notoriously fragile. Because they were made of natural cork, most disintegrated or were thrown away decades ago. Finding one in preserved condition is a secondary treasure in itself.
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The Original Papers & Booklet: The "birth certificate" of the watch. These documents bridge the gap between 1977 and today, confirming the exact date of sale and the original retailer.
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The Extract from the Archives: Patek Philippe’s official confirmation of the watch's serial numbers and manufacture date, providing a double-layer of authentication that satisfies the most rigorous vetting.
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The "Celebrity" Status: Most impressively, this watch is a literal "book piece." Included is a copy of the definitive Patek Philippe Nautilus/Aquanaut book by Guido Mondani Editore. This exact watch was selected by the authors to be photographed and featured within those pages, immortalizing this specific serial number as a reference standard for collectors worldwide.
The first edition Patek Philippe Nautilus + Rolex Newman Dial Daytona are the two most coveted watches on the planet.
The first edition Nautilus was designed by the most important watch designer of our era, Gerald Genta. After receiving accolades for his designing what became the first luxury sports watch for Audemars Piguet-The Royal Oak, Genta became the most sought after watch designer.
Legend has it, that while sitting at a restaurant bar having dinner, during the 1974 Basel Watch Fair, in walked the Stern family (the owners of Patek), who sat down to dinner. Genta grabbed a bar napkin and pen and sketched what was to become the most iconic luxury sports watch of all time-The Patek Philippe Nautilus. The unusual case was inspired by a ship's porthole, with a rounded octagonal bezel. Here is your chance to own a piece of history with this most perfect example that exists on the planet.