Vintage
Amanico highlights a Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 recently auctioned by Phillips, drawing attention to its 'awesome' dial patina. This post ignites a passionate debate within the community regarding the nature and desirability of patina on vintage watch dials.
The Patek Philippe reference 3700 is recognized as the original Nautilus model. It established the distinctive porthole-inspired case design and integrated bracelet that define the collection. This reference was produced for a significant period, laying the foundation for subsequent Nautilus iterations and solidifying its place in the brand's sports watch offerings.
This reference features a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and 7.6 mm in thickness, fitted with a sapphire crystal. It houses the self-winding Caliber 28-20 C, which provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is water-resistant to 120 meters and typically presents with a blue dial, offering a date complication.
The 3700 appeals to collectors interested in the foundational pieces of significant watch lines. It represents the initial vision for the Nautilus, preceding later mid-size and complicated versions. Its production run from 1976 to 1990 saw various dial and bracelet configurations, making specific examples of interest to those studying the model's evolution.
It looks really wonderful. Thank you for posting it, my friendπ
but to me, this 'patina' means either the dial was not manufactured properly or there was a defect in the case that allowed this to happen. Look at it this way...if you were buying a pre-owned Bentley and the paint was cracked and peeled, would you pay extra because of the 'patina'? I don't think so...
this is one of those dials that is poorly aged or damaged, and no softer terms like patina or tropical really makes it more desirable.
The flawless case is in direct contradiction to the state, the dial is in. Makes me wonder how the movement looks like... Frankenwatch?
for me this is not nice patina but a dial that should have been replaced years ago. Period! it is blue so it should be blue I flouw want another color, go to bamford or another one and order whatever you want
when I first moved to Florence at the age of 18, myself and my fellow inexperienced friends complained how everything was ugly and old ) but after some time and getting educated about it, you realize there is a romance in age and natural patina that gives a place a certain soul and beauty that nothing brand new can ever do, that is why for example new Dubai is super boring for me.
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