Launched in 1968, the original Golden Ellipse design was influenced by the so-called “golden section” discovered by ancient Greek mathematicians and whose “divine” proportions inspired numerous artistic and architectural masterpieces throughout the centuries. By the late 70s, the Golden Ellipse collection encompassed more than 60 different references, from large masculine watches to diamond encrusted ladies’ pieces. The Ellipse is now the second oldest model in Patek Philippe’s collection still in production after the Calatrava.

The “TV-Screen” Ellipse, reference 3604 was produced in the late 1970s. The 18k solid white gold case design is further enhanced by its shimmering silver “hobnail” sigma dial, which is complemented by onyx inland white gold indices & hands. The use of calibre 28-255C, the same movement that powered the first Nautilus, enables the case to be extremely thin while enjoying the easy use of an automatic calibre with date function.

The watch is complimented by its original leather strap and white gold Ellipse pin buckle. Overall the condition of the watch is excellent and appears to have been rarely worn over the decades. The is a rare model, especially in white gold with this stunning dial combination, and one that evokes the 1970s period.

Founded in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek, Patek Philippe began life as Patek, Czapek & Cie, whereby it existed until 1845 until it was broken up as a result of a disagreement between the two founders. Joined by French watchmaker Adrien Philippe, Antoine Patek renamed the company Patek & Cie on May 15th, 1845. Under its new leadership, Patek Philippe continued to evolve as a watchmaker, offering some of the finest timepieces the world had seen. With royal customers like Queen Victoria and Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in the mid-1800s, Patek Philippe’s products had found their way to the perfect audience. From there, Patek Philippe continued to evolve well into the 20th century (even following a company restructuring) and become known as the apex of Swiss watchmaking.

Today, Patek Philippe’s reputation precedes them as they are well-established as one of the best watchmakers on Earth, in more ways than one. While some brands specialise in particular complications, designs and uses, Patek Philippe found their niche in supplying a broad range of watches that were, to be frank, better than everyone else’s. Continuing that very same vein, Patek today is one of the brands that continue to outperform others in desirability, brand equity and watchmaking prowess.

In 1993, Patek Philippe was taken under the control of Philippe Stern as President of the company. Under his vision Patek has continued with their traditional approach to watchmaking, remaining undeterred by market trends, the desires of the masses and the appeal of quick short-term revenue generation. Alongside arising competition from brands like Lange & Söhne and under Philippe Stern’s direction, Patek began to vertically integrate their manufacturing processes to ensure the quality of its timepieces. A significant move at the time, this eradicated Patek’s reliance on third-party suppliers and allowed them to remain ahead of the curve as far as what their competition was doing.