Patek Philippe Nautilus 'Jumbo' Ref. 3700 - w/ Box 'LNOS'

The Nautilus. Another Gerald Genta horological icon, sibling to the Royal Oak, and conductor of the Hype Train. Now that we have that out of the way, how did a brand like Patek Philippe get so famous for a steel time-only watch? Well, by accident. The Stern family, which still owns Patek, was constantly being asked back in the late 60s to make a steel sports watch. It turns out that loyal collectors of the brand who would buy their high complication watches and precious metal dress pieces had become so loyal to Patek - that they would only wear wristwatches from the illustrious brand. Not one to disappoint their well-heeled clientele, Gerald Genta was commissioned to design a sports watch worthy of the Patek name. Much like the Royal Oak, the steel case was treated to a wide variety of complex finishing techniques normally reserved for precious metals. While this was a sports piece, it was still to be a Patek Philippe above all else. Unlike the far more rugged Royal Oak, the Nautilus has gentler curves - and certainly no exposed bolts or rivets (can you imagine!).

The piece that we have here is an example of the very first Nautilus — a Ref. 3700. And as you've probably noticed, this one is a solid yellow gold example. Like its stainless steel contemporaries, this is known as a 'Jumbo' for it's 40mm case diameter. And while that number may not seem so 'jumbo' by the standards of today,  that was considerably larger than most watches in the 1970s — especially when you factor in the integrated bracelet and 'ears' on the case profiles which contribute to an even larger feel when on the wrist.

Getting right into it, this piece is not only probably the finest yellow gold 3700 to surface in recent memory, but one of the finest 3700s, period. Not only is the piece completely unpolished, the the case, bezel, bracelet all show only faint signs of wear from very, very light use. It is probably safe to say that this piece was worn only a few times before sitting for decades. Flip it over and there is even residual signs of the original caseback sticker. When you open the clasp — which, by the way, features the not-often-seen yellow gold inner blades — remains incredibly stiff. This is complimented in the integrity of the bracelet, which remains equally 'rigid' and shows no stretch.

The dial within is also fantastic. The 'teak' surface retains a rich and attractive blue color throughout, and the applied Tritium-filled yellow gold indices are evenly patinated. The correct handset also matches the dial perfectly. There is some minor degradation visible when inspected closely around the center post and around the applied indices, which is typical of colored dials from this era.

Additionally, this piece is accompanied by its highly elusive inner and outer boxes. Not the more known 'cork' box that is most closely associated with early Nautilus', but actually a far more rare lacquered wood box and outer burgundy box.

Pretty neat if you ask us.

As the saying goes: "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation." This one is ready for it's next lucky caretaker.