Patek Philippe Ellipse

Introduced in the late 1960s, the Patek Philippe Ellipse was inspired by the Golden Ratio, referred to as the ‘Divine Proportion’ by Luca Pacioli. An observed ratio in nature, the Golden Ratio is said to be an aesthetically-balanced ratio found within the human body, trees, and more. With the Ellipse, Patek made the ratio of the major to the minor axis 1.618 to 1 — aka de divina proportione. The same shape is applied to the pin buckle, which itself is an ellipse. Debuting eight years before the iconic Nautilus, the Ellipse — with its distinctive oval shape — was unlike anything else in Patek Philippe’s catalogs. It became emblematic of 1960s and 1970s design and signaled an elevated level of taste, particularly given the popularity of function-first tool watches that otherwise defined the ‘60s for many. When most think of the Ellipse, the 3738 is one of the first references that comes to mind — one of the longest-running Ellipse references, it was manufactured from 1978 all the way until 2009. This particular Ellipse, a Reference 3738-100J, is one of the most archetypal configurations for the collection, executed in 18K yellow gold with a blue sunburst dial. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 240-111, this piece comes paired to a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed 18K yellow gold oval pin buckle.  Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern best described the Ellipse in 2018 when celebrating its 50th anniversary: “It’s one of those watches that shows you how to make a Patek Philippe. No gimmicks, just purity and beauty expressed through simple design”.  ‘Nough said. Come in and experience the Ellipse for yourself!