Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1979 Reference No: 3604 Movement No: 1'309'150 Case No: 2'747'539 Model Name: Ellipse Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Original Patek Philippe leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold AW buckle Dimensions: 36mm Length and 36mm Width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1979 with opaline silvered dial and black painted Roman numerals and its subsequent sale on January 29, 1981.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1968, Patek Philippe's 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 high-jewelry ladies’ pieces. The Ellipse is now the second oldest model in Patek Philippe’s collection still in production after the Calatrava.
The present reference 3604 first appeared at auction in 1994 with a dial featuring Roman numerals however after closer examination it appears that the numerals on the current dial are slightly wider leading us to believe that the dial could have been swapped after servicing at some point. The dial is confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. Preserved in excellent condition, the watch displays a crisp hallmark and even retains its original vintage Patek Philippe strap.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.