Introduced in the late 1960s, the Patek Philippe Ellipse was inspired by the Golden Ratio, referred to as the ‘Divine Proportion’ by 16th-century Italian mathematician 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 3738-100G, is one of the most versatile Ellipse configurations, executed in 18K white gold with a grey sunburst dial. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 240-111, it comes paired to a signed brown alligator leather strap with a signed 18K white 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!