Born in the turbulent late 1960s, the Golden Ellipse quickly became an icon in a changing world. As the quartz revolution loomed, Patek Philippe—under the leadership of Henri Stern, grandfather of current president Thierry Stern—sought to create a watch that was unmistakably Patek yet modern in spirit, unisex in its appeal, and instantly recognizable as a symbol of true luxury. At a time when mass production made it easy for inexpensive watches to mimic the look of high-end timepieces, the 1968 launch of the Ellipse was perfectly timed. Its bold, elliptical form was simultaneously forward-looking and timeless, setting it apart as a design classic in the purest sense.

By the 1970s, Patek Philippe expanded into jeweled variations of the Ellipse, catering to a growing demand for glamorous and luxurious watches that epitomized the Jet Set era. Manual-winding references such as the 3617 and 3620, introduced in 1976, were especially popular, with their diamond-set dials and mesh bracelets that captured the spirit of the time.

The present reference 3724/4 represents the pinnacle of this aesthetic. With its diamond-set bezel, dial, and fully adorned bracelet, it is a dazzling expression of the Ellipse line and a striking example of Patek Philippe’s ability to merge elegant design with opulent craftsmanship. Truly a statement piece, it reflects both the sophistication of the brand and the exuberant glamour of its era. Furthermore, this manual wind reference features sapphires hour markers and according to our research it is the first to ref. 3724/4, featuring a diamond set bracelet.