The Golden Ratio of Patek Philippe
LOFTSince its creation in 1968, the Patek Philippe Ellipse d'Or has distinguished itself from other watches with its design inspired by the ancient "golden rule" discovered by Greek mathematicians.
Ellipse d'Or not only enjoys the privilege of being the second oldest Patek Philippe collection, after the Calatrava (1932). It is also one of the most iconic designs from the manufacture and a true cult model that has continued to transcend eras and fashions for five decades . When it was launched in 1968 , it attracted attention for its unprecedented combination of audacity and harmony. The audacity of the elliptical case, at the crossroads of the circle and the rectangle, accompanied by a blue gold dial with mysterious sparkles. Harmony of proportions inspired by the ancient "golden ratio" , also known as the "divine proportion" (based on the size ratio 1/1.6181 ), which was discovered by Greek mathematicians and has given rise to some of humanity's greatest architectural and artistic works.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Ellipse d'Or enjoyed great success, establishing itself as one of Patek Philippe's flagship models—and a symbol of international elegance. By the end of the 1970s, the manufacturer was offering nearly 65 versions . Its instantly recognizable shape inspired a multitude of models, in various sizes and metals, with leather or metal straps (braided "joncs," chains, Milanese bracelets, etc.), with dials of various shades adorned with indexes or Roman numerals, as well as in jewelry and fine jewelry versions for women. The famous ellipse design was also used in other case shapes, such as the rectangle or octagon, not to mention a surprising Nautilus-Ellipse fusion. It was also featured in various luxury accessories, such as cufflinks, rings, and lighters.
Originally fitted with a hand-wound movement, the Ellipse d'Or's extraordinarily flat case was the first to incorporate the famous self- winding Caliber 240 with a built-in mini-rotor , in 1977. In 1993, Patek Philippe created women's models in which the leather strap lugs replicated the case design in an elegant double ellipse. In 2005, the manufacture launched reference 3738/100 , a men's model combining the three colors of gold with highly refined dial shades (Or Bleu® "soleil" for yellow gold, anthracite "soleil" for white gold, chocolate brown "soleil" for rose gold). In 2008, Patek Philippe celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Ellipse d'Or by reintroducing an extra-large version (34 x 39.5 mm), first offered in platinum, with an Or Bleu® "soleil" dial (reference 5738P-001). To mark its 50th anniversary , the collection included two new variations of this legendary model in 2018.
Current models
Ellipse d'Or reference 5738/50P-001 – A limited series that combines high craftsmanship and timeless eleganceHeir to the grand Geneva tradition, Patek Philippe is committed to preserving the artistic crafts associated with watch decoration for over four centuries—including engraving and enameling . To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ellipse d'Or in 2018, the manufacturer wanted to honor these two ancient crafts with a limited edition of 100 pieces.
The dial of reference 5738/50P-001 is distinguished by its black enameled background decorated with hand-engraved scrolls on the 18-carat white gold plate, featuring a central motif engraved with the Calatrava Cross, the Patek Philippe emblem. This refined motif, the result of long hours of work by the master engraver, fits perfectly into the original and bold shape of the Ellipse d'Or, also highlighting its harmonious proportions based on the golden ratio. The hours and minutes are marked by fine satin-finished white gold "hair" hands. The solid platinum caseback is adorned with a commemorative engraving "Ellipse d'Or 1968-2018" . The crown is set with an onyx that echoes the black enamel of the dial. Like all Patek Philippe platinum watches, reference 5738/50P-001 stands out for its small diamond-set edge at 6 o'clock.
Beneath the artfully crafted dial lies an extra-thin, self-winding calibre 240, giving the case its slim and elegant profile. This timeless elegance is enhanced by the hand-stitched, glossy black square-scaled alligator strap with a platinum buckle in the same shape as the case.
This limited edition is presented in a case along with a pair of white gold cufflinks, which bear the exclusive Ellipse d'Or design and are adorned with the same motif in black enamel with hand-engraved scrolls and an engraving of the Calatrava cross.
| 5738/50P-001 |
|---|
|
CLOCK |
|
SPHERE |
|
BOX |
|
GEM SETTING |
|
BRACELET |
Ellipse d'Or reference 5738R-001 – An extra-large rose gold version with a black dial Following the oversized platinum model introduced in 2008 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ellipse d'Or, Patek Philippe offered this iconic design in a new, extra-large rose gold version (34 x 39.5 mm) in 2018. Reference 5738R-001 combines the warm hue of polished metal with an ebony black sunburst dial enhanced by applied rose gold hour markers and fine rose gold hairpin hands. A luxurious touch that will delight aesthetes and connoisseurs alike. To complete this harmony, the crown is set with a black onyx cabochon.
Within this paradigm of purity and balance lies a self-winding caliber 240 , an extra-thin movement equipped with an eccentric 22-carat gold mini-rotor fully recessed at the bridges, giving the case an extremely slim profile (5.9 mm), guaranteeing timeless elegance. In keeping with tradition, the watch is equipped with a solid rose gold caseback.
The touch of style and refinement is completed by a hand-stitched, square-scaled alligator strap in glossy black, finished with a rose gold buckle clasp in the same shape as the case. As with all Ellipse d'Or models, the bracelet's fastenings are carefully concealed beneath the case edge so that nothing obscures the splendour of the famous elliptical design.
The new rose gold reference 5738R-001 completes the extra-large platinum version with a blue dial, while the smaller reference 3738/100 in yellow, white or rose gold leaves the collection.
| 5738R-001 |
|---|
|
CLOCK |
|
SPHERE |
|
BOX |
|
GEM SETTING |
|
BRACELET |
Source: Patek Philippe
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on WhatsApp
Share on email
