Entrepreneur John Asprey spotted wearing a Patek Philippe

In August 1979, John Asprey was photographed at the Italian seaside home of renowned director Franco Zeffirelli in Positano, wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus Jumbo ref. 3700/1A in stainless steel. The wrist shot captures the watch's distinctive integrated bracelet and cushion case, a design that defined an era of accessible luxury sport watchmaking. As a sixth-generation member of the Asprey family and a passionate horological collector, Asprey's choice of this particular reference reflects both his refined taste and his deep knowledge of contemporary horology.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700/1A debuted in 1976 as the larger "Jumbo" variant of Gérald Genta's revolutionary integrated design. The case measures 42mm in diameter and 11.5mm in thickness—proportions considered generous for the era—machined from brushed and polished stainless steel. The dial is finished in deep black with applied baton hour markers and luminous hands, ensuring legibility in low light. The bezel features a tachymeter scale. Water resistance stands at 120 metres. The movement is the Calibre 28-255 SC, an automatic chronometer-grade calibre with a 45-hour power reserve. The three-link integrated bracelet, a hallmark of the Nautilus design, tapers from the lugs to a polished centre link flanked by brushed outer links.

The ref. 3700/1A occupies a unique position in Nautilus collecting: it represents the final evolution of the stainless steel Jumbo before production shifted to the ref. 3700/A (with different caseback and bracelet finishing) and subsequent references. Only a handful of examples bearing retailer signatures—including the coveted Asprey and Rolex retailer-stamped variants—exist, elevating their desirability significantly. The reference saw production from 1976 through the early 1980s, making authenticated examples increasingly scarce.

Asprey's stewardship of the Mayfair-based luxury retailer positioned him as an early champion of independent watchmaking. His patronage of George Daniels and support for a young François-Paul Journe demonstrated a collecting philosophy that extended well beyond mainstream prestige brands. His choice of the Nautilus, itself a revolutionary design by Genta, underscores Asprey's appreciation for horological innovation—not mere branding or prestige.

Today, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Jumbo ref. 3700/1A commands grey-market prices ranging from 45,000 to 65,000 USD, with significant premiums for original dial and bracelet condition. Retailer-signed examples—particularly those bearing the Asprey signature or royal insignia—can exceed 80,000 USD. Waitlists for modern Nautilus references remain measured in years, reinforcing the vintage 3700/1A's status as an approachable entry point into one of horology's most enduring icons.