The Golden Ellipse was first launched in 1968 and has been something of a perennial classic ever since. Over the past few years, collectors have been taking a keen interest in the vintage versions, especially blue dialled examples in yellow gold. The original design was based on the golden ratio or golden mean, which links to the Fibonacci sequence that has been used in architecture, art and appears naturally in nature. Patek Philippe used the ratio in the design of the Ellipse, using the system to hopefully make the most perfectly proportioned wristwatches ever.

In 2018 Patek Philippe unveiled a 50th anniversary model in a platinum case, reference 5738/50P-001, with a black enamelled dial featuring a hand-engraved decoration in white gold inspired by Patek Philippe’s Calatrava cross emblem. The new watch follows in this tradition but in a white gold case and slightly revisited dial engraving. The Grand Feu black enamel dial has white gold accents that are hand-engraved with floral motifs using true centuries-old, handcrafted techniques. The 34.5 x 39.5mm white gold case is only 6.58mm thin and the crown is set with an onyx cabochon.

The watch is driven by the legendary calibre 240, which debuted in 1977. The ultra-slim automatic movement, with off-centre 22kt gold micro rotor, first appeared in the yellow gold Ellipse reference 3738 and it’s been there ever since. Aside from the Calatrava, it is the longest running Patek model and this new example perfectly illustrates that it’s getting stronger by the year and is very much here to stay!

Tech Specs

Movement: Calibre 240 automatic with micro rotor.
Case and Dial: 34.5 x 39.5mm white gold case with Grand Feu black enamel dial with white gold accents.
Strap: Black hand-stitched alligator leather strap with white gold ‘Ellipse’ pin buckle