CIRCA: 1981
CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold and stainless Steel
DIAMETER: 42 mm.
BRACELET: Stainless steel with yellow gold central links
DIAL: Blue ribbed dial
MOVEMENT: Automatic
BUCKLE/ CLASP: Steel folding buckle, Calatrava Cross medallion on locking clasp
FUNCTIONS: Time, Date

This lot has been imported from outside of the UAE for sale. Should the lot be released into GCC/UAE free circulation, duty will be payable at 5% on the low estimate. Duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment as per GCC''s customs laws. VAT at 5% will be applied to the hammer and buyer’s premium.

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This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

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Lot Essay

The present Nautilus is a good representative of the exceedingly rare reference 3700⁄1 AJ, launched in 1980 and produced in a very small series only. According to our research, 700 examples of the model were made, rendering it much rarer than its stainless steel counterpart. To date, only around 50 Nautilus ref. 3700⁄1AJ have appeared in public.

The Nautilus Water-Resistant Case Ref. 3700⁄1:
The case patent design of the original Nautilus, reference 3700⁄1 was registered on 23 April 1976. The cases were made for Patek Philippe by Favre-Perret SA, Le Crêt du Locle, from 1976 until 1980 when production was transferred to Patek Philippe's own Ateliers Réunis workshops. The water-resistant case comprises two parts, the main body and the bezel, at each side is an “ear” which couples with a corresponding flange, the two parts are secured by lateral screws. A rubber seal sits between the bezel and case body and is thus compressed when subject to water pressure forming a perfect watertight seal. The reference 3700⁄1 was made in stainless steel, steel and gold, 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold and platinum.

In 1980 Patek Philippe launched the manufacture of cases and bracelets in their Ateliers Réunis workshops and the Nautilus changed its reference number to the new ref. 3700-11. The new stainless steel used is called "Chrome-Nickel-Moybdenum steel" and the deployant clasp of the bracelet has been reduced to 16 mm., from 18 mm. of the previous reference.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

OVERALL CONDITION: Very good

CASE: Has been polished before, shows signs of wear, surface scratches

DIAL: Nice, clean and original. The lume plots on the dial and hands react briefly to UV light. There is loss of lume on the minutes hand

MOVEMENT: Ticking at the time of cataloguing. However, a service is recommended.

BRACELET: Surface scratches, shows signs of wear, has been polished before. Clasp has surface scratches
Length: 125 mm. with 5 removable links

PLEASE NOTE:
This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

Effective 7 February 2022
A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.

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