Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 & 3800 'Green'

In the early 80’s, this Nautilus duo was purchased by father and son.

"You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation". This famous Patek Philippe slogan very much applies to this 3700 and 3800. We are humbled and thrilled to offer this unique set, coming from a prominent family in Portugal. Interesting to note are the import stamps that can be found on both cases. More common on products of precious metal, but Portugal also required these hallmarks on stainless steel wristwatches up until 1986. The father enjoyed the more modest sized 3800 for decades, whilst the son opted for the iconic, original Nautilus 3700.

According to the extract of the archives, first mentioned has a "date of manufacture" and its subsequent sale to the AD dated to 1982. The AD bought the 3700 a year earlier. However, both found its way to the initial owners in 1984. Its most recent full overhaul was executed in 2007 by Portuguese authorized retailer David Rosas. Apart from service history, extracts and the original papers; the watches are still accompanied by the original boxes. Most notably the rare and exclusive "cork box" that comes with the 3700. But enough about the additional items around the watches. Let us explore the actual timepieces.

In order to survive, Patek Philippe launched the Nautilus. It was a reaction to the massive decline in sales due to the introduction of quartz watches. Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak in 1972, creating a new breed of timepieces: luxury sports watches. Patek Philippe turned to the same designer, Gerald Genta, to create a similar piece. The Nautilus was Patek Philippe's venture into a new species of watches. Initially, this groundbreaking -porthole inspired- model was launched in steel; yet carried the exorbitant price tag of $3100USD

The celebrated octagonal case, designed by Gerald Genta, is executed in stainless steel and measures 42 mm for the 3700, also dubbed "Jumbo". Attached to the case, we find the well-known integrated stainless steel Nautilus bracelet with sturdy folding clasp. Only until 1981 the case is made by Favre Perret and the bracelet by Gay Freres. Approximately 3500 of these "1st series" have been made in steel. The 3800 was launched in 1981 and wasn’t just a shrunken Nautilus (37mm), but introduced some important improvements vis-à-vis its big brother. For instance, it was the first Nautilus to feature an in-house automatic movement: the caliber 335 SC, which came with a central seconds hand. While this might seem like a minute (pun intended) detail, the sweeping seconds adds loads of dynamism.

The dial is most certainly eminent. Showcasing once again, they are taking it a step further (in terms of finishing) than sport watch counterparts from other brands. The embossed bars on the dark surface -or "ribbed" as the maison describes it- adds grandeur to an otherwise straightforward dial lay-out.. The applied indices are baton shaped, and just like the hands, are filled with tritium as luminescent compound. The absence of an hour markers at the 3 o'clock position allows the date function to be present. Even though the color is always described as "Matte black" on the extract, in reality it is so much more rich; ranging from dark blue to anthracite. Most sought-after are the dials that develop a green hue. Which is an appreciated feet more commonly found on this "Type 6" dial. We are very pleased to see both of the dials turned into this appealing tint.

It goes without saying that it would break our heart to separate this set, hence we are looking for a new home to take in both. Preferably another father and son. Each is still in great condition and ready for a new life with another happy family.