Why the Golden Ellipse Collection was a Golden Hour for Patek Philippe

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, introduced in 1968, stands out in the brand’s storied history for its bold departure from traditional designs. Combining circular and rectangular elements inspired by the ‘golden section,’ it offers a harmonious and novel aesthetic. This collection exemplifies Patek Philippe’s innovative spirit and artistic craftsmanship.

The Genesis of the Golden Ellipse

The Golden Ratio

This mathematical principle, discovered by ancient Greek mathematicians, has been used throughout history in some of the world’s greatest works of art and architecture. It is defined as a proportion of 1 / 1.6181, which is deemed to hold the key to aesthetically pleasing designs and compositions. When applied in the design of the Golden Ellipse, this ‘divine proportion’ resulted in a watch case that was visually compelling and groundbreakingly innovative.

A Dial in Blue Gold

The Golden Ellipse’s blue gold dial, adorned with gold hands and hour markers, makes the watch even more visually appealing. The depth and allure of the dial add a layer of sophistication, making each watch in the collection a piece of wearable art. With the creation of the Golden Ellipse, Patek Philippe was marked as a master watchmaker and an artist in the horological world.

The Golden Ellipse Collection

Owning a Patek Philippe watch is a solid investment, as the brand boasts unparalleled resale value for both modern and vintage pieces. For example, a Patek Philippe Nautilus, priced under £2,400 in the 1970s, now commands around £40,000 on today’s market.

The Golden Ellipse collection epitomises Patek Philippe’s blend of elegance and craftsmanship:

• Golden Ellipse 5738P (2008): A platinum model with an ebony black sunburst dial, white gold markers, and timeless appeal.
• Golden Ellipse 5738R (2018): A rose gold version with a black sunburst dial, celebrating the collection’s 50th anniversary.
• Golden Ellipse 5738/50G: Features an intricately hand-engraved dial, showcasing exceptional artistry.
• Golden Ellipse 3738/100J: Encased in yellow gold with a white opaline dial, offering elegance and a 48-hour power reserve.

Each model adheres to the ‘divine proportion’ principle, with its elliptical case, gold-accented dials, and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Golden Ellipse’s Influence

The Golden Ellipse collection has left an unforgettable mark on Patek Philippe’s design philosophy and also on the broader horological world. Its introduction in 1968 offered a daring departure from the conventional watch shapes, setting a precedent for thinking outside the standard round or square case mould.

The elliptical design, rooted in the principle of the golden ratio, offered an exquisite blend of balance and aesthetics that fascinated watch enthusiasts. This bold step by Patek Philippe has inspired other luxury watchmakers to explore unconventional case shapes, breaking away from traditional designs and moving towards a more distinctive and unique visual appeal.

Valuing a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Watch

At Burlingtons Ltd., we ensure your Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse achieves its true value by leveraging our expertise and network of high-end buyers. We base valuations on key factors:

• Age: Older, well-preserved models often command higher prices.
• Condition: Wear, damage, or functionality issues may reduce value.
• Materials: Platinum and other luxurious materials increase worth.
• Precious Stones: Diamonds and other gems significantly enhance value.
• Complications: Features like chronographs and moon phases add appeal.
• Functionality: Fully operational watches fetch the best prices.

Trust us for an accurate and fair valuation of your timepiece.