The history of this Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse
The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse was launched in 1968, at a time when dress watches were torn between round and rectangular cases. The Geneva-based firm chose a third option: an ellipse whose proportions follow the golden ratio – that ratio of 1 to 1.618 studied by Greek mathematicians and adopted by classical architecture. Neither a circle nor a rectangle, the shape traces a continuous, angle-free line on the wrist. The 1970s saw it become one of the cornerstones of the collection, often fitted with a gold bracelet, such as this model, reference 3548/1, the gold-bracelet version of reference 3548. A detail on the dial dates it to this period. The two ‘s’ symbols flanking the ‘Swiss’ inscription at 6 o’clock indicate solid gold hour markers, a convention in 1970s Swiss watchmaking. The shape remains in the catalogue, and today’s Golden Ellipse models retain these proportions with an ultra-thin automatic calibre.
Case, movement and bracelet of this Golden Ellipse
The 18-carat yellow gold case measures 27 x 32 mm. Its polished bezel wraps seamlessly around the dial; the fluted crown bears the Calatrava cross; and the screw-down caseback is engraved with the hallmarks 18K and 0.750. The blue sunburst dial features applied gold baton hour-markers, doubled at 12 o’clock, and two gold baton hands. Beneath the case back beats the hand-wound calibre 23-300, fitted with 18 jewels and bearing the Geneva Seal. Its bridge is engraved with the words indicating adjustment for heat, cold, isochronism and in five positions. The watch is wound daily via the crown, a gesture that is part of the daily routine for a dress watch of this period. The braided yellow gold bracelet follows the line of the case and fastens with a brushed folding clasp, signed ‘Patek Philippe Genève 750’ and stamped with the Calatrava cross. At 27 mm wide, the case slips easily beneath a shirt cuff.
Why this Patek Philippe watch
Today’s Golden Ellipse models are larger, self-winding, and the version on a gold bracelet is only available in rose gold. This watch offers the Golden Ellipse in a 27 mm dress watch format, in yellow gold, on a gold bracelet and with a hand-wound movement certified by the Geneva Seal. The blue sunburst dial remains easy to read, with no date or seconds hand. When buying second-hand, it also offers the chance to wear a Patek Philippe made entirely of gold – case, bracelet and clasp – with the assurance that the timepiece has been inspected and guaranteed by us.
Contents and condition
This Patek comes with 1 black leather Patek Philippe travel pouch, featuring white topstitching and an embossed Calatrava cross, and 1 brown suede-like presentation cushion. It is in very good condition. The bezel and bracelet show slight signs of wear, and the dial remains crisp. On the case back, a sticker from Patek Philippe’s international customer service department indicates that the watch has been serviced by the Manufacture.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
