Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1 White Dial
Vintage

Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1 White Dial

By Mark in Paris · Oct 8, 2015 · 33 replies
Mark in Paris
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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Mark in Paris unearths a truly exceptional Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1, a unique 'special order' piece from 1978 featuring a white dial. This post delves into the watch's rare provenance, its 'prototype' designation, and sparks a community discussion on the allure of white dial Nautilus models and potential future designs.

Hi everyone,

As you know, I love the Nautilus line, hence I am closely looking at the white dials old versions when I come across them (3700, 3800...).

In a 2015 Sotheby's auction, a very rare Nautilus came to the surface: a 3700/1 with a "special order" white dial.

This model, with a white dial crafted by the Stern Frères dial factory, was made in 1978 from the Jumbo case in a unique piece after following the special request of a client (who was still the current owner of this auctioned lot). The watch, as a whole, is defined as a prototype on the papers, after the change was made to a standard 3700 model.

Hence, it is not really a prototype but I imagine the will of the watchmakers was to specify that it is not a standard version.

The case is the very thin Jumbo size and was crafted, at the time, by Favre-Perret before it was integrated to Patek's own wrokshops after 1980.

The watch was provided with its original black dial at first.

The caliber was the very thin 58-255C automatic, based on the Lecoultre ebauche.


I love the grey/blue dial but the more I see the white ones, the more I like them. Compared to today's 5711 white dial Nautilus (the 5711A/1-011 reference), the markers and hands are not blackened on this 3700.
I imagine, on this 3700, the hands are the original ones used with the standard black dial version.

The result is a very coherent and refined dial, all is bright and clear. The thin 2 hands from the 3700 model bring lightness and elegance as well.


Here is the picture from this unique and very appealing 3700/1:



Credit: Sotheby's



Wouldn't it be magic to have a thin two-hands version for next year's Nautilus anniversary? It would be a dream as far as I'm concerned especially with the 31-260 caliber.

Have a nice end of week!

Cheers, Mark




This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-10-10 07:17:51

About the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe reference 5711/1A-011, part of the Complications collection, is distinguished by its white dial, offering a different aesthetic compared to other dial variations within the 5711 series. This particular configuration provides a clean and legible presentation, appealing to collectors who prefer a more understated yet refined look. It represents a specific iteration of a well-known Patek Philippe model, recognized for its integrated design.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 26-330 SC movement. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, contributing to its water resistance of 120 meters. The fixed bezel and integrated bracelet are characteristic elements of its construction.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in the evolution of Patek Philippe's offerings, particularly those seeking specific dial colors within established model lines. Its production run from 2019 to 2021 marks it as a relatively recent, yet now discontinued, variant. The watch's specifications align with Patek Philippe's standards for mechanical timepieces.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.26-330 SC
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
120m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
DR
dr.kol
Oct 8, 2015

Let's hope it will come true! (but I doubt) Best, Kari

ES
Esharp
Oct 8, 2015

I have said here before that I dream of a thin two-hand anniversary Nautilus with a special movement and a date wheel that matches the dial. But the Nautilus keeps speaking to me. Sat next to a chap at a conference earlier this week who was wearing a 5712. Found myself thinking "nope! Too much going on here! Love the cal 240 but maybe look at the simple version!" So then I looked at pictures of the current 5711 and realised that even as it is, it works rather nicely. I have a Nicolas-esque disli

MI
MikiJ
Oct 8, 2015

My sad experience with this version was no the best. This model Nautilus with movement #335-SC was not Patek's finest moment. This "Split-Stem" movement was one of only a few of Patek's own that did not have the Geneve Seal. There's a reason why not ;-(

MA
Mark in Paris
Oct 8, 2015

hope it won't be a limited edition though. We'll see!

MA
Mark in Paris
Oct 8, 2015

Another two hands version will be a nice return after a very long while. Personnally I usually like date windows a lot, ecxept maybe when they are put in an akward place on the dial. As for the bracelet, if it was micro adjusted and could be swapped, I fear it would be thicker too. I prefer it remains that way, except if they find a clever solution of course: it wouldl be a nice surprise You seem to be on the good way to get one Esharp! Cheers, Mark

MA
Mark in Paris
Oct 8, 2015

I'm sorry to hear you had issue with yours. Good to know in order to check if looking for a second hand one. Thank Miki. Cheers, Mark

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