In 1968, Patek Philippe released the Golden Ellipse.

Debuting eight years before the iconic Nautilus, the Ellipse — with its distinctive oval shape — was unlike anything else in Patek Philippe’s catalogs. In this period, the Ellipse line became emblematic of the era for design and signaled an elevated level of taste, particularly given the popularity of function-first tool watches that defined the late 1960s for many.

In the intervening years, the Ellipse and many of its contemporaries fell out of favor with collectors who favored purpose built steel chronographs and divers that were closely associated with tales of adventure and exploration. Many of these wonderful, design-forward timepieces were lost in the recesses of vaults or sock drawers — or worse — melted down for their gold value. 

Only recently have we seen the start of an evolution in the mindset of contemporary collectors — a groundswell of appreciation for more artistic expressions of timekeeping is occurring at this very moment, and forgotten gems of the 70s and 80s are once again being discovered and appreciated for the works of horological art they truly are.

This particular example, a Reference 3604J-002, dates back to the 1970s and features a 36mm solid 18k yellow gold ‘TV’ case and a signed crown nestled into its 3 o’clock case flank. The champagne dial is adorned with a set of printed black ‘Roman’ indices, and offers a ‘pencil’ handset with a handy date function at 3 o’clock. This dial has a ‘Sigma’ notation signifying the presence of solid gold used throughout the dial.

Mechanized by the self-winding Patek Philippe Calibre 28-255C movement and outfitted to a stunning signed integrated yellow gold woven bracelet with a signed locking clasp, this vintage Patek makes a bold statement on the wrist - and offers an increasingly popular style 50 some-odd years later!

*Due to the design of this bracelet, sizing alterations may require custom work. Lead time after measurements are established is 4-6 weeks.*