Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710/1A Luxury Watch Review

The Patek Philippe Nautilus has been the focal point of innumerable dreams since its 1976 debut, but until 1998, watch collectors could only dream about - not buy - a complicated Nautilus. Today, a Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710/1A "Jumbo" power reserve represents a rising star on the vintage market, a landmark Patek Philippe, and a lust-worthy target for savvy collectors who want to get ahead of the value curve.

With a case that measures between 41 and 42mm, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710 is a full-sized Nautilus model. Critically, the 3710 is part of the "Jumbo" case family; it retains the wrist presence and unique "mono bloc" case design envisioned by its creator, Gerald Genta.

In 2006, the engineering elegance of the mono bloc, which has no removable case back, was lost to cost-cutting and a new generation of Nautilus designed with mass-production in mind. Nautilus purists know the difference; the 120-meter (400ft) water resistance of the 3710 can be appreciated by any enthusiast of versatile sports watches.

At only 8mm thick, the mono bloc case also offers the advantage of refinement. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710 wears with the compact ease of a dress watch. A silken steel bracelet with double deployant clasp completes the ergonomic equation.

But it is the discreet power reserve gauge at 12 o'clock that defines the Nautilus 3710; this unassuming device marked the first non-date complication to join the Nautilus line since the 1976 debut. And the little gauge is more than meets the eye; both the silver hand and silver graduated scale move as the mainspring is wound and discharged. This complication was created specifically for the Nautilus 3710, and it has not been used on any Patek Philippe model since the 2005 conclusion of 3710 production.

A unique dial of white gold Roman numerals gives the Nautilus 3710 a distinctive face. In true sports watch fashion, each of the numerals is luminescent, and the 3710 offers excellent night time visibility. Elegant details including a delicate center seconds hand and a "railroad" seconds/minutes track provide a deft balance of sport and sophistication.

Beneath the dial, the Patek Philippe automatic caliber 330/196 SC keeps the beat at 21,600 VpH. Its 48 hour power reserve motivates the watch's signature complication and keeps the movement singing for a solid 6-hours more than the industry standard 42-hour autonomy. A Gyromax free sprung balance provides sports watch durability, and this Patek Philippe signature refinement provides precision in the face of "enthusiastic" owner use. Beauty and artisanal warmth are assured thanks to the Patek Philippe provenance, and the romanic image of the Geneva Hallmark attests to the standard of finish.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710/1A power reserve is desirable by any measure. It's beautiful, rugged, timeless, and collectible. Buy it to enjoy it; don't wait for pompous "blogs", auction house speculators, and "taste-makers" to inflate the prices beyond the reach of earnest collectors. See this Patek Philippe Nautilus 3710 in high-resolution images on www.thewatchbox.com.

Video and content by Tim Mosso