Patek Philippe Ellipse

The Patek Philippe Ellipse is one of my all-time favorite watches. You may already be familiar with this golden-ratio inspired shape from the one I wore for a “Three on Three” episode with HODINKEE (read more about its defiant history below). But this one here is TEENY-TINIER, clocking in at only 23mm and affixed to a solid – yet flexible – gold mesh bracelet. It's absolutely stunning in all its '70s glory, conjuring the spirit of Studio 54. This is a time I desperately wish I lived through, but the next best thing is owning this watch. You can dress it up and go disco diva goddess, or dress it down with jeans and a tshirt. Either way, you'll be glowing. All that glitters IS gold. 

THE BASICS

DATE OF BIRTH: Circa 1990’s

MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold with leather strap

SIZE: 32mm x 27mm

MOVEMENT: Manual wind caliber 215

CONDITION: Excellent

BOX/PAPERS: No/No

THE NITTY GRITTY

A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse model on a leather strap. This elegant timepiece is an example of Patek quality and elegance at its finest. This very clean and elegant soft oval design is said to originate from the “golden ratio” derived by ancient Greek mathematicians. Introduced into the Patek line in 1968, it still remains a very popular reference today, offered in a number of sizes, dial colors and configurations. 

In the face of the looming quartz crisis, Patek saw its Ellipse collection 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.” This was an interesting and very bold statement by the powerhouse of the Swiss watch industry. Rather than cave to the fleeting demands of the time, these iconic Swiss brands would continue to do what they did best – potentially even raising the bar.

The dial is a glorious metallic navy blue. The printing of the “Patek” name and “Swiss” at the foot of the dial are all in gold serif font which contrasts well against the dial. The dial is in perfect, original condition. The hands are very simple with a clean gold pencil design. There was never any luminous material applied to the dial, as is consistent with this more elegant designed watch. The watch is powered by a Patek Philippe mechanical caliber 215, 18 jewel manual wind movement. 

The watch would have been designed toward the mid/end of the 1970s. The case is in excellent condition overall, lightly polished with strong lines. It is hard not to like these watches. They are perhaps one of the most striking time-only references that Patek Philippe made. It is hard to argue with ancient Greek mathematics!