Macro Monday: Patek Philippe Vintage Gold Nautilus

This week we have an Atom Moore macro of the Patek Philippe Vintage Gold Nautilus. Originally released in 1976 as a luxury sports watch, the Nautilus is now considered an iconic model of Petek Phillippe. While many models of the 1950s and 60s were made for specific purposes (pilot watches, diving watches, chronographs, etc.), the Nautilus was a return to the watch as a sign of success. Named after the submarine of Captain Nemo in the novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the shape is inspired by a nautical porthole, with two “ears” that bring to mind the hinges of a ship window.

Comprised of 36 jewels, the movement measures 3.05 mm in height, has a diameter of 28mm and features Patek’s Gyromax balance with variable inertia masses. A hallmark of the Nautilus model is the horizontal groves. The 3700-1J and 3700-11J come with a case of 18k yellow gold, complemented by a solid gold dial, with gold hands and indexes filled with tritium, and a single complication with a date display. This watch knows it’s a luxury item without having to shout it.