The minimalist aesthetics of the Golden Ellipse's oval-shaped case with simple dial has been a part of Patek Philippe's collection since its introduction in 1968. It is said that the design is derived from the golden ratio discovered by ancient Greek mathematicians. Collectors are drawn to its slender and elegant style.

Distinguished watch expert John Reardon – formerly of Christie's, Sotheby's, and Patek Philippe USA – described the Ellipse as, "the canvas to tell the story of Patek Philippe to the world," at the time of its creation.

While confronting the start of the quartz revolution, the company worked through the 1960s to lure Switzerland's finest craftsmen, whom the brand had traditionally contracted, bringing elite bracelet, dial, and case manufacturing under one roof. The new Ellipse collection, created and built by these now in-house craftsmen, as more of a work of art than a watch. Period advertisements described the Ellipse as a "non-watch," explaining that "people who merely need to know the time of day will choose a watch, not a Patek Philippe."

Today's offering showcases this beautiful and classic mens Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse with royal blue dial.

Its 18K white gold Ellipse case and dial have been tastefully set, possibly in the aftermarket, with sparkling diamonds.

Powering the watch is its illustrious caliber 215 movement, among the finest hand-winding movements ever built. Small and thin, the 215 movement is used by Patek today, attesting to the perfection of its design. Often used today in Calatrava watches, it was the first Gyromax-equipped movement to run at 28,800 beats per hour.

It has fully Patek Philippe parts down to the hands and winding crown. It is in excellent condition and presents beautifully on the wrist.

Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any worn components with new Patek replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation. We replaced the mainspring and the complete balance, the beating heart of the watch, with a brand new Patek balance (a $1965 value).

It is keeping time on par with a new Patek in our testing position.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Note: To watch a wonderful animation of the caliber 215 movement, please down scroll to the fourth section which is titled "The Caliber 215 – An important manual wound wristwatch movement."

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 1,321,486
• Case no.: 531,226
• Year built: c. second half of the 1970's
• Model: Ref. 3748
• Functions: Hours, Minutes
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K white gold with diamonds (diamonds might be an aftermarket upgrade)
• Case condition: Better than near mint with light wear
• Dimensions: 27mm (excluding crown) x 32mm, 7mm thick
• Dial: Royal blue with four brilliant diamonds, signed Patek Philippe and GENEVE, very good condition with small blemishes to the K and E in signature and fading of the Swiss signature at the bottom. Despite what the photos seem to suggest, it is a rich, even royal blue. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
• Hands: White gold batons
• Movement type: High grade caliber 215, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring
• Jewels: 18 jewels
• Band: Italian leather, fairly lightly worn, very serviceable, with aftermarket Patek style buckle. Please inquire if you would like a brand new band installed.
• Crystal: Sapphire, mint condition
• Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any worn components with new Patek replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation. We replaced the mainspring and the complete balance, the beating heart of the watch, with a brand new Patek balance (a $1965 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee