1975 Patek Philippe 'Grand Ellipse' Ref. 3589 With Sigma Dial Why This Watch Matters This large-cased Patek Philippe "Grand Ellipse" is bold, blue, and beautiful. The Full Story Introduced in 1968, the oval-shaped Patek Philippe "Ellipse" became an instantly recognizable part of the brand's catalog upon its debut. While it was a rather unusual shape for a dress watch at the time, collectors welcomed it right away, perhaps because the design was based on the g olden ratio that was first used by ancient Greek mathematicians. The ref. 3589 was released in 1970, just as larger and more prominent case designs were coming into style. According to Patek Philippe's registry, this watch was produced in 1975 and sold on April 12, 1976. Patek Philippe has also confirmed that this watch was born with this type of dial. This reference was offered in multiple dial materials and configurations; we especially like the traditional satin blue dial on this watch. One neat detail on this dial is the numerals and hour makers are sunken, which adds further visual depth compared to applied or painted numerals and markers, which were more common at the time. Additionally, the dial is made entirely of gold, as indicated by the "Sigma" symbol at the bottom of the dial. The Sigma indication was part of a larger effort by the Swiss watch industry trade association l’Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR) to emphasize the value of watches using any gold material. In typical Patek Philippe fashion, this Ellipse is fitted with the caliber 28-255, based on a LeCoultre movement that was one of the finest and thinnest self-winding movements at the time. The same movement was also used in Patek Philippe's sporty Nautilus series, so you know it's a durable choice. The watch is finished with a matching oval-shaped Ellipse buckle in 18k yellow gold, plus it comes with a dressy glossy black alligator strap (please see Nitty Gritty for more details). The Fine Print Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Grand Ellipse Reference: 3589 Year: Circa 1975 Case No: 529932, Movement No: 1286791 Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions: 33mm x 35.5mm, 5.5mm thickness Crystal: Sapphire Lume: No Caliber: Patek Philippe automatic caliber 28-255 Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe glossy black alligator strap with 18k gold Patek Philippe 'Ellipse' buckle Lug Width: N/A (Vendome-style lugs) Box/Papers: N/A What we Love and What You Should Know The watch is overall in very good condition. The case shows some light scratches and appears to have been gently polished in the past; however, the hallmark on the back is still visible which is often lost during a case polish. The bezel has some light marks and patina and shows some wear. The dial is in clean condition. On close inspection under a loupe, there is a slight scratch under the second "E" of "GENEVE" and between the area between the four and five o'clock markers. There is a small dot between the two and three o'clock markers. Minor wear on the hands is visible. The watch comes with an oval-shaped 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle, which was designed for the Ellipse collection. The strap is an original Patek Philippe glossy black alligator strap. The case, dial, movement, crown are signed. *NOTE: Please be aware that this watch comes with its original 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 alligator strap with it due to laws regarding the sale and shipment of exotic leather goods.
