I guess I have to begin by saying what everyone already knows: The Nautilus has to be the most popular watch of the last five years. Of course, it’s all about the 5711 and blue dials, but for those who want something a little bit different, and much rarer, this Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710 ‘Comet’ might be for you.
First released in the 1970s, the Nautilus was designed by none other than Gerald Genta himself and it was a crazy, avant-garde sports watch in stainless steel that sold for an eye-watering price. While the Royal Oak was designed in this same sense, Audemars Piguet was largely seen as the bad boys of the industry and when Patek Philippe followed suit, clients and critics alike who were used to seeing elegant dress watches were shocked to see that they followed in the footsteps AP. This was further reinforced by the fact that both were designed by the same man! The reference 3700 ‘Jumbo’, the first Nautilus model ever made, of course as we know managed to defy the odds and today is one of the holy grails of vintage Patek Philippe.
Featuring an ultra-slim 8.1mm case, its considered thin not only for a sport watch but in general, sliding easily under the cuff of a shirt. That being said, for the 3710, the dial is where this piece is super unique. Featuring applied Roman numerals on top of a matte black dial, the look is completed with the now-signature power reserve indicator in the top middle part of the dial, resembling a comet and explaining the nickname for this watch.
It is practically impossible to buy a Nautilus of any kind these days without paying a huge premium, and for the rarity, the 3710 gives, it looks to be the best value Nautilus out there at the moment. On top of the unique dial, you get everything a Nautilus is supposed to give you with that stunningly hand-finished case- brushed, polished and beveled.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is really the ultimate luxury sport watch, combining brutalist design elements with an elegant profile and sizing. It is just such a cool watch and with the 3710, you have that added uniqueness of the ‘Comet’.
