The Patek Philippe Nautilus was launched in 1976 during the quartz crisis, which was hitting the Swiss watches industry hard at the time. Created by Gérald Genta, the iconic porthole-inspired design endured the crisis and is still extremely popular today. The first Nautilus reference was the 3700, such as the present lot. It produced until 1998 though steel versions were only made until 1986/1987. Boasting a large case for the time period, th🌳e nickname 'Jumbo' was adopted by collectors and stuck ever since.

When launched, Patek Philippe advertised the model as possibly the most expensive steel watch on the market which is still accurate today since succeeding references are d🍨efinitely among the most expensive steel watches produced in series, often atta💃ining even higher prices on the secondary market.

The present lot has stayed in the family of the original owner u🔴ntil today. It is pr𒅌esented for the first time on the international market in honest condition and with its particularly attractive original sigma dial.