PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS REF. 3700AJ, A RARE AND ICONIC TWO-TONE WRISTWATCH
CASE NUMBER: 541’522
Important information about this lot
Estimate
USD 80,000 - USD 120,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 26 Oct 2022
Loading details
Register
Follow
Share
Try ourCost calculator
PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS REF. 3700AJ, A RARE AND ICONIC TWO-TONE WRISTWATCH
The present Nautilus is a good representative of the exceedingly rare reference 3700⁄1 AJ, launched in 1980 and produced in a very small series only. According to our research, 700 examples of the model were made, rendering it much rarer than its stainless steel counterpart. To date, only around 50 Nautilus ref. 3700⁄1AJ have appeared in public.
The Nautilus Water-Resistant Case Ref. 3700⁄1: The case patent design of the original Nautilus, reference 3700⁄1 was registered on 23 April 1976. The cases were made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crêt du Locle, from 1976 until 1980 when production was transferred to Patek Philippe's own Ateliers Réunis workshops. The water-resistant case comprises two parts, the main body and the bezel, at each side is an “ear” which couples with a corresponding flange, the two parts are secured by lateral screws. A rubber seal sits between the bezel and case body and is thus compressed when subject to water pressure forming a perfect watertight seal. The reference 3700⁄1 was made in stainless steel, steel and gold, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold and platinum.
In 1980 Patek Philippe launched the manufacture of cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new ref. 3700-11. The new stainless steel used is called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the deployant clasp of the bracelet has been reduced to 16 mm., from 18 mm. of the previous reference.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
OVERALL CONDITION: Very good
CASE: Has been polished before, shows signs of wear, surface scratches
DIAL: Nice, clean and original. The lume plots on the dial and hands react briefly to UV light. There is loss of lume on the minutes hand
MOVEMENT: Ticking at the time of cataloguing. However, a service is recommended.
BRACELET: Surface scratches, shows signs of wear, has been polished before. Clasp has surface scratches Length: 125 mm. with 5 removable links
PLEASE NOTE: This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.
Effective 7 February 2022 A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.
Cost calculator
Lot 110Sale 21097
CASE NUMBER: 541’522PATEK PHILIPPE, NAUTILUS REF. 3700AJ, A RARE AND ICONIC TWO-TONE WRISTWATCHEstimate: USD 80,000 - 120,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid