Patek Philippe A legendary vintage Geneva wristwatch with date and rare "tropical dial" Movm. No. 1304872, Ref. 3700/1, Cal. 28-255C, Case No. 536279, Dimensions 42 x 44 mm, circa 1978, Origin Schweiz Case: Steel, screwed on bezel, PPC steel bracelet, bracelet length 140 mm, total length 180 mm. Dial: Faded black iridescent in cognac colour, bar-like texture. Movm.: Automatic. Over time, the dial of this Nautilus model has changed its colour from black to a iridescent cognac colour. Despite its exceedingly charming ageing, the dial has kept its shine and in combination with the cool steel case, this is a simply irresistible look! This is the first time that this vintage wristwatch is offered at an auction. It was with its original owner for 40 years and despite its age the watch is in excellent, well looked after condition. Reference 3700/1 was produced until 1981, while its predecessor reference 3700/11 was in production until 1990. The sophisticated "porthole" design by Gerald Genta ensures that the Nautilus remains one of the most remarkable and sought-after models of the Patek Philippe range today. The watch was created in 1976 and its rather chunky shape - inspired by the shape of a porthole of a transatlantic liner – certainly stood out from the other, rather more conservative designs of the Patek Philippe brand. The distinctive "Jumbo" case has a wide, flat bezel and an integrated link bracelet. The black ribbing of the dial is repeated on the applied indexes and the baton hands. The Nautilus was not an immediate sales success but its popularity grew rapidly and soon the Nautilus stood for sophistication, vitality and character. The steel model comes across as restrained and matter-of-fact and is the perfect accessory for connoisseurs of fine watches who appreciate sophistication as well as debonair nonchalance. Case: very good, slightly scratched. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.