18K gold, quartz, sapphire crystal, date, integrerad original bracelet, folding clasp, total weight ca 80 gram, ca 1985, box.
Caliber E19 C, Movement nr 1.526.753, Reference nr 4700/1, Case nr 2.811.425
Movement (7/10)
Dial and hands (8/10)
Case (8/10)
Integrated Original Bracelet (8/10)
Buckle (Folding clasp in 18K gold)
Certificate (No)
Box (Yes)
Overall Opinion (7/10)
Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
The designer of the Nautilus, Gerald Genta have told that he designed the watch that was later named Nautilus during the Basel Trade Fair:
-"I was at the restaurant of a hotel and some people from Patek were sitting in one corner of the dining hall, while I was sitting alone in the other corner. I told the head-waiter: “Bring me a piece of paper and a pencil, I want to design something” and I designed the Nautilus while observing the people from Patek eating! It was a sketch that I completed in 5 minutes".
The inspiring idea was the shape of a porthole, like those that could be found on transatlantic liners. The patented case was formed by a solid backcase/middlecase monobloc and the distinctive octagonal bezel secured to it by four lateral screws to ensure water-resistance. Each of the eight sides of the bezel were subtly curved to trace a perfect arc of a circle, a subtle detail making a big difference from a design point of view.