dr.kol
11333
I am a very very happy man!
For much over 5 years I have been searching a "perfect" Nautilus 3700-001 - the original model.
I had crazy requirements: very little polished, totally original, technically perfect, with original cork box & outer box, original Certificate of Origin, all manuals... I finally found such but on Saturday I took the watch to Patek Philippe and asked one trusted watchmaker to open the watch and give his verdict.
"Technically perfect and just serviced, everything is original, accuracy sport on, totally water proof and polished probably one best possible", like he said.
Here it is:
The watch is water resistant to 120 meters and still just 7.6 mm thick. That's quite stunning!
The watch looks really understated...
This was the difficult part of my mission. After locating the watch, finding a specimen of everything; even the original leather wallet for the documents.
Often the boxes are missing the inside parts but this one is very original. Additionally I got a full file proving the history including the services of this one-owner watch.
I am very happy and suspect that in ten years I will forget the price I had to pay.
What a wonderful day. I also saw a watch which I could not get earlier due to its rarity and it suddenly become available. Even my name was in the box... but that's April's acquisition.
I have quite many Nautilus but must say that nothing, not even 3712, can beat the very original. Or what do you think?
Best, Kari
I am a very very happy man!
For much over 5 years I have been searching a "perfect" Nautilus 3700-001 - the original model. I had crazy requirements: very little polished, totally original, technically perfect, with original cork box & outer box, original Certificate of Origin, all ...
Thanks. It was quite a job and I said to very many nice watches "no thanks"
when something was missing. Best, Kari
Priceless perfection!
Amazing all of it, the story, the pictures, the accessories, the condition, and of course the watch itself. It is a magical piece and they just got it right the first time around. No better Nautilus has been made since which is quite incredible given we a...
Thanks Keks.
I am "over the moon" and indeed, 3700 has been copied and the idea developed but nothing beats the original. Let's see how the 40 years Anniversary or Anniversaries look like. Best, Kari
Thanks you wilski
This proves that nearly everything is available somewhere there - it just might require a lot of time to find the right one. Best, Kari
Fabulous find. Congratulations Kari!
You found a great specimen of the original that got most of us here started on the Nautilus lovefest. Wear it in good health! doublesix
Thanks douplesix
I started my Patek "career" from 3710 and 3700 would be a good way to end. But there are still a couple of pieces around. Best, Kari
Congrats Bro!... the fun
...is also in the searching. Wear it in good health ! Cheers !
Huge congrats Kari and you are now officially the...
Nautilus hunter, especially given that you hunted this watch down during its 40th anniversary year! Enjoy and please keep us updated on the next target. Cheers Gordon
The next target is unknown.
I have to pick up two nice watches next time I'm going towards the Salon. But what then; Basel will show. Best, Kari
Ah, when Patek was Patek...
I owned the current 5711 years ago and sold it quickly... while obviously very nice, it did not live up to my ideas of Patek quality. As the years go on, I rarely see new Pateks the way I once saw older Pateks... not for design reasons whatsoever, but exe...
A very basic modern Patek
like a Calatrava is seldom something spectacular. Nice watches still. But if you look at some modern watches like 5370P, I would say "can't get much better". Best, Kari
Just to hear you so happy is even more rare than the watch!!
So I guess it is a win win.
Ouch!
I spend a lot hard earned money and I expect that when I buy something really expensive, it's worth the investment. I'm often happy but perhaps I do not express it clear enough. Best, Kari
I don't think you are any different than the rest of us in that regard.
My comment really was one of compliment, because frequently the posts come across so serious and business like. This time, I can feel your passion, you have your heart in this one, and that is exciting.
Michael, I'm a Finn
and we do not normally show our emotions. There are just a couple of exceptions: if the neighbour i.e. breaks his leg, we laugh freely! I have been very lucky wham watches are concerned: I have managed to acquire many watches and I enjoy all of them. In m...
Our diversity is a huge part of our Community.
It makes PuristSPro different than every other online horology site. And we do genuinely care for each other. We are happy for each other when one acquires something like you have here, and we feel for each other when one goes through headaches (like you ...
For some reason, I think of a known formula 1 driver now...
... Yet my colleagues from Finland also showed me, that there can be lots of expressed fun and laughing. Not always related to alcohol. Good to read that you enjoyed hunting, and will be eager to learn about the lucky catch waiting for you. Terveisin Kolo...
We Finns joke a lot
but in international context the jokes are not often understood or appreciated. Big part of Finnish joking is related with sarcasm and in some cultures this kind of humour is unknown. Best, Kari
Happy for you Kari.
It does look pristine. Enjoy it in good health Kari. Congratulations & Cheers. Geross
You have proven that patience and hard work pays out.
Sincere congratulations on this package. What is about the 3700-001 that made you put this long search effort into it? Best regards, Kolosstt
Nautilus was my "First Love" top quality sporting watch
I bought something around 2000 3710 because a perfect 3700 wasn't around. My next was 3712 and since I ordered that on the first day of Baselworld 2005, I have been searching for 3700. I worked harder and harder through the years and the prices went crazi...
Do you still own the other Nautilus?
I would be interesting to read about the perceived differences from an owner\'s perspective. So you were looking for a 3700 for more than 10years? Best Kolosstt
Yes, I own the others
and I also wear them regularly. Furthermore, even I have 3712, I have also ordered 5712. I enjoy them all a lot. The surprising thing with 3700 is that when placing the watch to the wrist, it feels very different to 5711. Need to understand why... Best, K...
Kari, this is blue chip quality!
Superb find of a superb watch. The details are amazing, and worth every effort of the hunt. A great trophy. Congratulations, Magnus
Thank you Magnus
As a hunter I never compared this with a trophy but you are absolutely right. Hunting this was just like hunting for a +100 pounds elephant. Best, Kari
Congrats Kari!
Your search for perfection is rewarded! Well done and looking forward to more wrist shots!
Thanks sanzaw
Let's hope that the 40 years Anniversary Nautilus will be that good that it will make a balanced picture together with my 3700. Best, Kari
I like the English expression "priceless"
It brings the experience to a point that you have lived: a special time that has lead to a great watch, hence priceless. Enjoy your special Patek. Best Moritz ...
Thank you Count!
Priceless is indeed a very good expression. I have a good number of watches but now when I wear 3700 on my wrist, it feels priceless and Primus Inter Pares. Best, Kari
Big congrats, you did the right thing. This by the way is one of those watches...
...which -in my view - you can try to photograph as professionally is possible, it looks x-fold better in reality. It is just impossible to capture all its beauty on a picture. On the price: I got mine about 3 years ago (mint / with box / certificat d'ori...
Very true HSTE
and I suspect that when the 50th Anniversary of Nautilus is approaching, mine does not feel expensive anymore. Indeed, I can't imagined how to capture the beauty into photos. The slimness, light weight and the solid feeling. Simply a fantastic watch and I...
The Sister looks like a Virgin!
Congrats! Best, Kari PS. You captured the dial very well.
Congratulations, Kari!
What a wonderful watch and full package! I got my 5712, which I really like a lot, because it does not try to look too closely like the mythical 3700! The 3700 cannot be bettered! A dealer in Munich sold a complete and unpolished 3700 this week within a f...
I just saw one of the watches sold in Munich area.
The clasp was not correct and the box wasn't complete. Furthermore, it was overly polished. But perhaps we speak about a different watch. Yes, the prices are crazy! But the good ones are getting rarer and rarer and I trust that Nautilus collection will st...
I had a short but quite successful career as a consultant...
and now I am giving you free and solid advice so don't complain! Best, Kari
Another thing we share!
I earned my living as a consultant for nine years. So indeed, I know that advice can be dear!
That's a major move.
What feels really great to see is that in spite of the Pateks you have, it is always the same excitement for what it provides. You know what you're looking for and what to look for, taking the time to get it the right way, not in the easy/fast manner. Tha...
Thanks Mark! I enjoy it really
Big Time. There's something magic in 3700 and I can imagine how difficult it was for the Stern family to accept this watch to Patek family 40 years ago. What I love in Patek is the conservatism added with occasional boldness. Best, Kari
Thanks. What is amazing is how difficult it is to find such a watch.
This one is permanently going to stay next to its 3712 sister - except when one of these ladies is on the wrist. Best, Kari
Congratulation Kari,
For such a sleek rare watch,I love the timeless design of it. Five years is a lot but it paid off at the end. Best, Ahmed
Five years was an understatement.
My eyes have been open much longer but for some five years I have been active. The problem is that some 3 years ago 3700 was costing around 50% compared with today's prices. It has developed a bit like vintage Rolexes. Best, Kari
meh...
I know am going against the crowd's sentiment here but I have never found 3700 appealing in person. I have come across the piece 4 times in last decade and spent some time with it on every occasion, knowing its a trending collectible piece but couldnt con...
Naturally I respect your taste.
If we all would love the same things, life would be very boring. I do not know why but the whole Nautilus collection sings to me. My wrist loves them all! Best, Kari
Thanks Arie
Let's hope the Anniversary year brings something which shines aside the original. Best Kari
A 5711/1a without a second hand?
Sort of a nod to the original? Like the AP 15202ST. Or would that be to boring?
Depends on the movement.
If the second hand would just be removed and otherwise the watch would be the same as 5711, it would be boring. But if Patek would still have some 28-255 movements, decorate those nicely, put to the case of 3712 (two pieces with sapphire case back), that ...
Something like that is indeed what I meant
That would be great. Somehow I feel it will be something more complicated or in platinum or other exclusive material. Sure hoping it will be an old school steel 2 hands watch.
Gold and platinum Nautilus are great
but for me the greatest is and will be steel in steel bracelet. That's how Nautilus was originally made. Remember one of the first advertisements: "One of the most expensive watches in the world and made of steel". The fundamental idea behind Nautilus is ...
I hope also Patek agrees when releasing
the 40th Anniversary watch. The problem is that they earn much more if the watch is made of noble metal... Best, Kari
Congratulations
Hi Kari, my first post here. Just wanted to offer my congratulations too. What an amazing watch, I am sure it will bring you many years of happiness. The hunt for this one must have required a lot of patience!
Hi RussW and welcome here!
The first post is always something special. Is Patek and these vintage models something you enjoy? Best, Kari
Thank you for the welcome
Hi Kari, I do not know an awful lot about vintage Patek, I am more interested in the current watches. My modest collection has a 5980/1a 014. But your 3700 is beautiful, and a great achievement. I know you from a different forum, but wanted to pass on my ...
Hi Russ
I would not call 5980/1A modest. It's a great watch and really suitable for leisure time as well as business. I bought many years ago Nautilus cufflinks and they make the trick: a sporting watch fits well with the finest tailor made suit and shirt. Best, ...
Cufflinks
I\'m eyeballing those damn Cufflinks for some time now To go with the Great White But why no SS Cufflinks? I don\'t understand... ...
I do!
How could anybody charge such a price from steel cufflinks. Now there's gold worth of some hundreds and the price is astronomical. That said, I enjoy my Nautilus cufflinks a lot! Best, Kari
Me too Arie, I love them
But I don't use this kind of cuffs enough to make the expense.
Mark:
you should start buying double cuff shirts. That's a good reason to buy Nautilus, Calatrava Cross and Golden Ellipse cufflinks. Best, Kari
Welcome here on PuristSPro Russ
and I wish you have a nice time on our Patek forum as well. We're looking forward to reading from you! Cheers, Mark
Thank you Mark.
I have enjoyed reading this great forum for some time now. Looking forward to participating.
Those will come together with my other Nautilus
plus hopefully the 40 years Anniversary piece. Best, Kari
Thank you - I enjoy it a lot.
Just hope that the Anniversary piece would be a worthy companion. Best, Kari
I'm sure we will get something
and hopefully something worth of discussing. Best, Kari
Big Congrats!!!
We have the same demands: EVERY detail has to be perfect! And this one is perfect. Again, congrats to the hunter, well done! Best Tempus
Hunting for 3700 Nautilus
is like finding +45 inches Cape Buffalo. I'm now happy to have both. Best, Kari
Aloha, Kari,
What a magnificent find. A 3700 complete set? Wow! Whats even more magnificent is that you wear them and not acquire them to 'store' them. Wearing it is the greatest way to extract joy from the piece. It looks good on you. Will see you soon. Aloha, Bob
Aloha Bob!
I think I'll take my 3700 with me to Honolulu. It's a perfect pool watch. It also looks like I'm "forced" to buy a watch from the mainland States. If I will buy that, can I get it delivered to your address? How are your old bones? Best, Kari
My old bones are just that ~ Old. LOL
But still working! Of course! You may have it shipped here. I may even wear it, too. But seriously, you may it shipped here. I'll send you my address. Aloha, Bob
Too big for you...
And it's a youngish watch. Fits me but it's not suitable for older gentlemen. Best, Kari
Fantastic!
Congratulations! I've been searching for the same thing for quite some time, too, with no luck. Prices on these bad boys are going through the roof.
There are a couple perfect ones available
But like you said, with a price. I can't see that the prices would drop so the sooner you get it, the less insane is the price. Best Kari