The Nautilus ref. 3700/1A is widely regarded as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—sports watches of all time. First unveiled in 1976, its distinctive nautical-inspired design by the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta, paired with technical innovation, has influenced generations of watchmakers and collectors alike.
Nicknamed the “Jumbo” size for its bold 40mm case diameter, the ref. 3700/1A initially faced resistance due to its size. However, what was once considered oversized is now seen as perfectly proportioned, making it a must-have for collectors who not only desire a “grail” piece but also want a watch they can comfortably wear.
Around 1980, Patek Philippe transitioned assembly of the ref. 3700 to the Atelier Réunis workshop, giving birth to the ref. 3700/11A. While the case remained the same as the ref. 3700/1A, the bracelet saw notable refinements: tapering to 14mm at the clasp with a narrower 16mm buckle, compared to the earlier ref. 3700/1A’s 16mm taper and 18mm buckle. The steel cases for this both versions of this reference were manufactured by Favre-Perret.
Importantly, the inner bezel numbers match, and the dial is correct, and the steel bracelet is presently sized for a 7.5 inches and links can be easily removed to fit your wrist if necessary.
In total, approximately 4,200 examples of the ref. 3700/1A were produced and only 1,200 examples of the ref. 3700/11A were produced. With its rarity, originality, and the fact the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus is just around the corner in 2026, no time is better than to pick up this wearable vintage staple for your collection.
