Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Nautilus, ref. 4700, 1980s
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1980s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Diameter 27 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 3629
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Watches of Knightsbridge (product 3629)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Nautilus 4700 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (stock number Product 3629), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 27 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Watches of Knightsbridge
This stunning Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 4700 was the first ladies Nautilus to be introduced and was produced between 1981 to 2004. This early example is from the 1980s and features its original black horizontally embossed Sigma dial in excellent condition and original black date display. Presented in unpolished condition, this example appears to have been occasionally worn since it was originally purchased as new. The case diameter measures 26mm and houses the smaller quartz calibre E19. This timepiece combines understated elegance with modern utility and luxury. It has all of the hallmark design signatures of the original Nautilus. It features its original integrated bracelet in tight condition with light scratches to be expected. We have kept the watch unpolished however this can be polished depending on the preference of new owner. Overall, this is an excellent example of one of the most iconic timepieces of the modern watchmaking era.
Specifications — Watches of Knightsbridge
Reference: 4700; Movement: Quartz Calibre E19; Case diameter: 27mm; Bracelet/strap: Original Nautilus Bracelet
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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