Patek Philippe Nautilus 3712 '3 Dots'

Ignore that one reference everybody is always talking about and make way for the far more interesting variation of the Porthole inspired Patek; the one with a power reserve, moon phase, decentral seconds and date function.

Yes, we have said it: the 5711 is boring. Not only because of the lack of complications. in the late 90's they released there first (lightly) complicated Nautilus reference under 3710. Most attention of the Nautilus’ Anniversary line-up in 2006 went to the chronograph under ref. 5980, whilst the freshly introduced 5712 was somewhat overlooked. Maybe because one year prior, out of thin air; Patek launched the 3712 with the same complications and similar look. But in fact, there are many differences instead, and I’m happy to walk you through them.

The 3712 and 5712 are only 1mm larger than the 5711 and last mentioned is a tiny bit thicker, but more noticeable is that they do not share the same case construction at all! The 3712 is made with a Monobloc case, so out of 2 pieces; just like the first 3700 but with a crystal caseback. The 5712 uses a much more cost-efficient construction that we will see on all Nautilus from then on. The difference is not really visible without taking it apart, but look at the caseback where, unlike the 3712, the 5712 has a facet.

From the frontside there’s also a difference in design that is easily and often overlooked. The hinges (or “ears”) used to be straight, but from 2006 onwards they were curved instead. The crown on the 3712 has a different profile and is also smaller, furthermore it does not feature a screw-down mechanism.

The most interesting feature is, without a shadow of a doubt, the dial. The classic gradient blue face with horizontal grooves is full of small differences between the 2 references (5712 & 3712). Let’s start top left; with the power reserve. Although the 3712 was only in production for a year, it is divided in 2 series. The first one has 3 red dots at the start and the later one, just like the 5712, has 4.

The biggest difference can be found in the sub-dial underneath the Reserve de Marche. On the 3712 it is smaller and therefore giving room for a marker at the 7 o’clock position. Also, the baton at the 6 isn’t rounded of like it is at the 5712. To increase legibility, they used a bigger font for the date numerals on the 5712 and inverted the numbers from 9 to 23, along with thicker hour and minute hands.

But here it is: why the 3712 is a better watch than the 5712. Not because the 3712 is way rarer and more historically important, or because the 5712 uses a cheaper case construction… But the finishing of the moon phase. Way more depth can be found in the 3712 where the stars are framed with thick lacquer unlike just a printed disc that we can find on the latter.

By many it has been regarded as an ugly duckling due to its unconventional dial design but if you are willing to look closer, you might discover you actually (secretly) prefer this over the classic 5711 or 3700 for that matter. The one we have remains complete and in pristine condition and was sold in 2006. It has the rare '3 Dots dial'.