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 formula found on the human body, trees, and more. With the Ellipse, Patek made the ratio of the major to the minor axis 1.618 to 1 — the golden ratio, 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. During the late 1960s and especially the 1970s, the line became emblematic of the era’s more adventurous watch design and signaled an elevated level of taste, particularly given the popularity of function-first tool watches that defined the ‘60s for many.
The Ellipse featured a new design immediately recognizable as luxurious in a changing industry. (Keep in mind that the Ellipse launched just before the Quartz Crisis. Patek was well aware of what was coming, and responded pre-emptively with a banger!) The Ellipse became the watch to own, and today, it remains an excellent value in the world of vintage and neo-vintage Patek Philippe.
This particular Ellipse, a Reference 3548G, is a first-generation model. Housed in a 27mm 18K white gold, ovular case with a signed crown, a smooth bezel, and an acrylic crystal, it features a beautiful, deep blue dial with applied indices and matching, white gold hands. (In true dress watch fashion, there’s no running seconds hand.) Powering the watch is the manually-wound Patek Philippe Calibre 23-300 movement. Secured to a black leather strap, this beautiful piece is perfect for both men and women.
Come in and experience it for yourself!