Description
1970 Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3546 Why This Watch Matters This immediately recognizable ovaline shaped Patek Philippe Ellipse is exceptionally stunning in 18k yellow gold and with a signature blued gold. The Full Story Alongside the Calatrava, the Ellipse is one of Patek Philippe's most recognizable dress watches. The minimalist aesthetics of the oval-shaped case with simple baton hour markers and hands have been in the company's collection since 1968. It's been a great success and has been offered in various metals, sizes, dial colors, and movements to appeal to a larger audience who desire a simple yet well-appointed dress watch. The design of this model is said to be based on the golden ratio derived by ancient Greek mathematicians. No wonder we're immediately drawn to it. Collectability's 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 development and introduction in 1968. In the face of the looming quartz crisis, Patek made a conscious effort through the 1960s to acquire Switzerland's best craftsmen, whom the brand had traditionally hired on a third-party basis, bringing world class bracelet, dial, and case manufacturing under one roof and under the Calatrava cross. The brand saw its Ellipse collection, designed and developed by these now in-house makers, as a work of art more than a timepiece. Advertisements of the era marketed 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." For more information about what the Ellipse collection means to the brand and collectors today, check out Mr. Reardon's video here . The Ellipse we are pleased to offer this week is a bit unusual within the family. The ref. 3546 features a dial and bezel in the classic 1.6 to 1 "golden ratio" that the entire collection was built off of but is uncommon in that it features lugs. Most other Ellipse references opt for hidden lugs that limit the ability to change straps and can, at times, make the watch wear smaller than it should. This example of the Ellipse boasts a lot of the positives of the collection, like that inherent mathematical beauty without the drawback of hidden lugs. Finally, a calling card of the Ellipse collection is the signature blued gold dials, like the one we have here. The finish is actually a bit of a secret for Patek; some proprietary process within the manufacturer's walls turns an 18k gold dial blue for a result that's uniquely stunning in the metal. According to the Patek Philippe Archives, this watch was produced in 1970, the third year of the Ellipse collection's production, and sold June 3, 1970. The Fine Print Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Ellipse Reference: 3546 Year: 1970 Case No: 2683606 Movement No: 1153491 Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions: 27mm width x 34mm height; 6mm thickness Crystal: Sapphire Lume: No Caliber: Patek Philippe, manually-wound, caliber 23-300 Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe, black alligator strap* with 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No, this watch does come with an Extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe What we Love and What You Should Know This Patek Philippe is overall in excellent condition. The case is nearly unpolished with correct brushing and polishing on the appropriate areas. There are some light scratches and patina on the case. The hallmark is still crisp in the side case near four o'clock. The dial and hands are in great condition and have developed light patina. There are two areas of slight wear to the blue finish near the three and 53 minute marks right near the edge of the dial. The Patek Philippe buckle is in 18k yellow gold and signed "AM" on the back. The dial, crown, case, movement, and strap are all signed by Patek Philippe. This watch was photographed on a 140mm/5.5inch wrist. *NOTE: Please be aware that this watch comes with an authentic Patek Philippe alligator leather strap. If the watch is shipped to the state of California or any international destination, we will not be able to send the lizard strap with it due to laws regarding the sale and shipment of exotic leather goods.
