Nautilus 3700/1 project. Keep the dial, refinish or change to service dial?

[enthusiast]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Pretty much so, with a budget of around 20-25k


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If that is the case, wouldn't it make sense to go for the Nautilus that was offered to you?

[Incroyable12]

Any skilled watchmaker with a lathe can make parts as needed.

Laser welding a steel case is also quite simple.

As for the dial you can sometimes find loose factory non service dials for sale from dealers.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by enthusiast

If that is the case, wouldn't it make sense to go for the Nautilus that was offered to you?

Yes, hence this thread as there are many options I could go with this piece if I decided to get it.


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[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

Any skilled watchmaker with a lathe can make parts as needed.

Laser welding a steel case is also quite simple.

As for the dial you can sometimes find loose factory non service dials for sale from dealers.

So I'm now more inclined to go option B where I service the movement, repair the case and leave the hands and dial as is. But before all that, I'm waiting for the price to go down to the 80k Mark, that's my max comfort level for this piece.

I also learnt from servicing my wife's 5066, patek made you signed a disclaimer that they can't guarantee not to replace the hands although I sepcifically asked NOT to replace both hands and dial. They said when taking off the hands, there are possibilities that they would get damaged and it will compromise the watch accuracy.

If that happened, Patek has the right to replace them without needing to get my approval.

Maybe that's why we often see vintage pieces with original to the watch dial but with service luminova hands


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[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

As for the dial you can sometimes find loose factory non service dials for sale from dealers.

Indeed. I saw one with Beyer stamp but touched up a little bit asking for 28k


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[GB-man]

Would be A and agree I’d wait them out on price. I don’t see an even desirable patina on this dial to suggest it’s something worth preserving. That’s just me though. I realize the motto is generally leave it alone. Not for me.

[sensui]

Like all vintage. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... Everyone appreciates different things. You want to just have a Nautilus on your wrist that looks the part (or any vintage watch that just looks the part) then service parts/not period correct mismashes are just fine. You're an enthusiast that loves originality? Then it's another rabbit hole in making sure it's as correct/original as possible. Patina and wear is another category that's different for everyone....I am not written down with this type of wear on the dial but I know many that may love it and appreciate the passage of time including the bumps along the road.

Bottom line op, if you buy the watch do what you want to make yourself happy.

[jfriedkin]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Not sure if they're refinishing the dial but what I found out so far, for beaten up dial, if the owner doesn't mind it got changed, Patek will install a service dial with 'Swiss' only marking and all luminova lumes.

As for cases and bracelets, yes they still have stocks of blank cases (which they'll re-engraved the serial) or they make new ones.


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If you decide to send it in to Patek, I would get a couple of different estimates. I would ask the cost to refinish the dial, which will be an original dial. And cost to replace the dial. Again if the case is the destroyed the cost to replace. But they can do some AMAZING case refinishing. LASER welding.

[jfriedkin]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

So I'm now more inclined to go option B where I service the movement, repair the case and leave the hands and dial as is. But before all that, I'm waiting for the price to go down to the 80k Mark, that's my max comfort level for this piece.

I also learnt from servicing my wife's 5066, patek made you signed a disclaimer that they can't guarantee not to replace the hands although I sepcifically asked NOT to replace both hands and dial. They said when taking off the hands, there are possibilities that they would get damaged and it will compromise the watch accuracy.

If that happened, Patek has the right to replace them without needing to get my approval.

Maybe that's why we often see vintage pieces with original to the watch dial but with service luminova hands


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I have NEVER had to sign such a statement.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by jfriedkin

If you decide to send it in to Patek, I would get a couple of different estimates. I would ask the cost to refinish the dial, which will be an original dial. And cost to replace the dial. Again if the case is the destroyed the cost to replace. But they can do some AMAZING case refinishing. LASER welding.

I'm not aware if Patek has a dial refinishing service. Anyone has any experiences?

I'm currently having my 3700 two tone in service by Patek Geneve and they said my case is compromised and they need to change with a new case and it cost usd10k. They didn't offer case refinishing to rectify the case problem. They do offer case and bracelet polishing however.




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[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

According to Phillips and I quote "it's a serendipity of a wrong paint mixture equivalent to the discovery of penicillin"

Yeah. According to me, that dial is badly damaged. Patina is one thing, wreckage is another.

[sherpastar]

Option B, no question. I actually am liking the condition of the dial, and would not refinish or replace it under any circumstances.

[Roccio]

Option B if you must get it. I'd personally pay no more than 70k for the piece tho. No matter how well the watch gets refinished, a polished watch is no match in value to its unpolished counterpart. Plus I kind of like the unique look of the watch as it is -- stands apart from all the generic genta blue faced watches that seem to be flooding the market nowadays.

[JasonBetts]

Just an update: seller's last price is 83k and I'm thinking to close the deal. However, there's an offer for 5711 2011 fullset for 86k.

I like both and price is similar.

Opinions please


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[Turbo Racer]

I think I’d take the 5711. His price on the 3700 is just too high imho. If the 5711 is in nice shape, you will have an iconic watch for a price that seems pretty compelling with respect to recent market changes. If you did decide to buy the 3700, if it were me, I’d have to be comfortable living with a watch that will never be anything more than a heavily used watch in its original state, which as I noted earlier, has a definite charm. Or, you could have it restored to a like-new appearing watch that might lose much of its charm.

Only you can know for sure what speaks to you both now and down the line.

[Incroyable12]

With the secondary market falling that dealer will probably come down even more for both those models.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Turbo Racer

I think I’d take the 5711. His price on the 3700 is just too high imho. If the 5711 is in nice shape, you will have an iconic watch for a price that seems pretty compelling with respect to recent market changes. If you did decide to buy the 3700, if it were me, I’d have to be comfortable living with a watch that will never be anything more than a heavily used watch in its original state, which as I noted earlier, has a definite charm. Or, you could have it restored to a like-new appearing watch that might lose much of its charm.

Only you can know for sure what speaks to you both now and down the line.

The 5711 isn't perfect either. Notable ding on the bezel and scuffs here and there. I wasn't really considering 5711 until an offer came and it's really tempting at 86k BP.

First World problem


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[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

With the secondary market falling that dealer will probably come down even more for both those models.

Yes prices are still on the high side compare to early last year but problem is, real Patek owners here don't really care about the value so we see no panic selling.

Only a handfull small time investors / greys that got their hands burned and want to exit to minimise loss that's offering a couple of pieces in the market.


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[Turbo Racer]

What’s the dial color?

As far as I can see things are just beginning to drop off. I have no crystal ball and I reworked my tin foil hat to bake some chicken, but I think that the current trends will continue for some time yet.

Anyways, it would be great to see a picture of the 5711 if you have one.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Yes prices are still on the high side compare to early last year but problem is, real Patek owners here don't really care about the value so we see no panic selling.

Only a handfull small time investors / greys that got their hands burned and want to exit to minimise loss that's offering a couple of pieces in the market.


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I've definitely noticed Pateks are moving slower on Chrono24, etc. Things like the 3800 for example.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Turbo Racer

What’s the dial color?

As far as I can see things are just beginning to drop off. I have no crystal ball and I reworked my tin foil hat to bake some chicken, but I think that the current trends will continue for some time yet.

Anyways, it would be great to see a picture of the 5711 if you have one.

Yes I feel the same too. Although prices have come down, it's still way above last year or two.


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[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I've definitely noticed Pateks are moving slower on Chrono24, etc. Things like the 3800 for example.

Same happening in the greys here. Rolex on the other hands are still moving albeit slow.

Patek has been really almost no transactions maybe because the higher entry price point and not many people care to sell


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[Roccio]

That 5711 looks to be in a fairly good condition unless that blemish on the watch's glass center is a scratch. While 3700 is a classic, 83k is a bit too much for a watch in that condition.

As for 3800s I remember a full set steel blue dial example was around 20k or so before covid, so they have appreciated in (asking) value much more than 3700. No wonder they are moving slow at 60k and above, if at all.

[Turbo Racer]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Yes I feel the same too. Although prices have come down, it's still way above last year or two.


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I have to say at these prices the 5711 looks pretty attractive.

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Roccio

That 5711 looks to be in a fairly good condition unless that blemish on the watch's glass center is a scratch. While 3700 is a classic, 83k is a bit too much for a watch in that condition.

As for 3800s I remember a full set steel blue dial example was around 20k or so before covid, so they have appreciated in (asking) value much more than 3700. No wonder they are moving slow at 60k and above, if at all.

I know it's a lot to ask especially you have an option for 5711 only for 3k more. However in my heart, I've always have a soft spot for vintage and I'm not sure another 3700 will come up for sale ever again here.


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[JasonBetts]

Update:

I finally bought it and send to Patek Geneve for a quote. After about 8 weeks they send me this

- overhaul usd1.5k
- case is too worn and must be replaced usd10k
- dial refinish/restoration usd 1.7k
- new bracelet usd6k

So total is almost 20k

Thoughts?


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[Daytonaman799]

Find another steel 3700

[okie4455]

Seems to me if you like the charm of it, clean up the movement and wear it as it. Do they let you pick and choose what is done to it or is it all or none?

[noyraf]

Option B for me

[jesulaiman]

Honestly, other than option B, I don’t see why you bought this particular one. If you like the charm of it, option B is the only way to go.


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