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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 3700/1

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Nautilus, reference 3700/1, is a self-winding stainless steel wristwatch produced in 1978. The watch features a cushion-shaped, two-body case that is both polished and brushed, measuring 40 x 44 mm with a thickness of 8 mm, and is equipped with a flat sapphire crystal. The anthracite dial is distinguished by horizontal stripes and applied luminous white gold baton indexes, complemented by matching luminous white gold baton hands. The watch is powered by the Patek Philippe caliber 28-255 C movement, which is rhodium-plated, features fausses cotes decoration, and is stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark. It includes a 21K gold rotor segment, a straight-line lever escapement, and a Gyromax balance. It is finished with a stainless steel Nautilus bracelet featuring a concealed deployant clasp and is accompanied by a pouch, extra link, booklets, and service papers.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700/1 showing the anthracite striped dial and integrated stainless steel bracelet.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700/1 showing the anthracite striped dial and integrated stainless steel bracelet. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3700/1
Catalogue / lot identifier
300
Source-reported date
1978
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1304561 (movement), 534165 (case)

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The timepiece is housed in a stainless steel, cushion-shaped two-body case that displays both polished and brushed finishes. The design incorporates a flat bezel and utilizes a sapphire crystal to protect the dial. The overall case dimensions are 40 mm in width by 44 mm in length, with a case thickness of 8 mm.

The dial is anthracite in color and is characterized by a distinctive horizontal striped pattern. It features applied luminous white gold baton indexes and an aperture for the date display. The time is indicated by luminous white gold baton hands, and the watch is fitted with a stainless steel Nautilus bracelet that includes a concealed deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, flat bezel, sapphire crystal.”
  • “Anthracite with horizontal stripes, applied luminous white gold baton indexes, outer minute divisions, aperture for the date.”
  • “stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet with concealed deployant clasp.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is driven by the self-winding caliber 28-255 C movement. This movement is rhodium-plated and decorated with fausses cotes. It is constructed with 36 jewels and a 21K gold rotor segment. The escapement is of the straight-line lever type, and the balance is a free-sprung, self-compensating flat balance spring assembly.

Technical performance is supported by a Gyromax balance, which is adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions. The movement also incorporates a shock absorber for protection. The caliber is stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, signifying adherence to regional horological standards at the time of its production.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 28-255 C, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 36 jewels”
  • “Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock absorber, free-sprung self-compensating flat balance spring, 21K gold rotor segment.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is identified by movement number 1304561 and case number 534165. The auction description notes that the dial, case, and movement are signed by Patek Philippe. The watch was produced in 1978 and represents the Jumbo Nautilus model.

This lot includes a selection of accessories provided with the timepiece: a Patek Philippe leather pouch, one extra link for the bracelet, associated booklets, and service papers.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe, Genève, "Nautilus" No. 1304561, case No. 534165, Ref. 3700/1. Made in 1978.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Accompanied by a Patek Philippe leather pouch, one extra link, booklets and service papers.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What specific service history is contained within the included service papers?
  • Does the current bracelet length represent the original factory configuration with the extra link?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 3700/1
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe, Genève”
Reference3700/1“Ref. 3700/1”
Date of manufacture1978“Made in 1978”
Case dimensions40 x 44 mm“DIM. 40 x 44 mm”
Movement caliberCal. 28-255 C“Cal. 28-255 C”
Movement decorationFausses cotes, rhodium-plated“rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration”
Balance typeGyromax“Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions”
Case materialStainless steel“stainless steel wristwatch”

Visible details

  • Horizontal ribbed dial texture
  • Concealed deployant clasp bracelet
  • Date aperture at the 3 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul of the movement is recommended by the auction house
  • Exact condition of the internal mechanism not verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 3700 JUMBO NAUTILUS STEEL Patek Philippe, Genève, "Nautilus" No. 1304561, case No. 534165, Ref. 3700/1. Made in 1978. Very fine and rare, large, cushion-shaped, self-winding, water resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with date, and a stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet with concealed deployant clasp. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe leather pouch, one extra link, booklets and service papers.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c1317b094c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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