Superb Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3748/1 “Sigma” – Integrated Bracelet & Perfect Condition

Regular price 19 750 €
Free secure worldwide delivery
Our client's satisfaction is our No. 1 priority
100% Secure Payment by card or wire

In 1968, Patek Philippe unveiled the Golden Ellipse, inspired by the golden ratio – the first new collection formally defined since the Calatrava of 1932. Reference 3748/1, in its version with an integrated 18K yellow gold braided bracelet, embodies one of the collection's most accomplished expressions – a fusion of watchmaking and jewelry. It is powered by the Calibre 215, a hand-wound mechanical movement, which was the first Patek Philippe movement to incorporate the patented Gyromax balance.
This example from the late 1970s is preserved in near-mint condition. Almost certainly never polished, the case retains sharp edges, crisp demarcations, and remarkably clear hallmarks. The superb sunburst blue "Sigma" dial exudes a deep radiance, enhanced by solid gold baton hour markers and hands. The braided gold bracelet has retained all of its original finishing. This superb Ellipse has undergone a complete service by one of our experienced watchmakers and is in perfect working order.
Moreover, it is accompanied by its rare original elliptical box and its original label – further increasing its desirability for collectors seeking the finest examples of Ellipse d'Or.

Detailed description

In 1968, Patek Philippe unveiled the Golden Ellipse, its first formally defined new collection since the Calatrava of 1932. The design, inspired by the "golden ratio" – the proportion 1/1.6181 that Greek mathematicians considered the very expression of harmony – broke radically with the watchmaking conventions of the time. Neither round nor rectangular, the watch's elliptical shape immediately established itself as an icon of understated luxury. The first references (3546 and 3548) remained in the catalog until 1976, when they were replaced by references 3746 and 3748, both powered by the caliber 215.

Reference 3748/1, in its version with an integrated 18-carat yellow gold braided bracelet, embodies one of the most accomplished expressions of the Ellipse collection – a fusion of watchmaking and jewelry. The watch and bracelet form a single object, its 27 x 32 mm dimensions and weight of approximately 83 grams lending a warm and reassuring presence to the wrist without sacrificing its refined elegance. The braided bracelet, with its matte finish contrasting with the polished brilliance of the case, is a remarkable work of craftsmanship – each link articulates smoothly to perfectly conform to the wrist. The jewelry clasp is adorned with a medallion engraved with the Calatrava Cross.

At the heart of the watch beats the Patek Philippe Calibre 215, an 18-jewel, hand-wound mechanical movement. It is regulated in five positions and bears the Geneva Seal – all within a thickness that allows the case to remain remarkably slim. The Calibre 215 was the manufacture's first movement to use the patented Gyromax balance and remains in production to this day – a testament to the excellence of its design.

The example we are pleased to offer, dating from the late 1970s, is preserved in exceptional, near-mint condition. The case has almost certainly never been polished: the edges are extremely sharp, the lines between the mirror-polished and satin-finished surfaces are crisp, and the hallmarks on the case side are remarkably clear. The sunburst blue "Sigma" dial – the two σ symbols framing the "SWISS" inscription at 6 o'clock certifying, according to Swiss APRIOR standards, that the hour markers and hands are solid gold – radiates a deep and even glow from the center, enhanced by applied gold baton hour markers and exquisitely slender hands. The integrated braided bracelet, into which the case blends seamlessly, retains its original finish and articulates perfectly. The hand-wound mechanical movement has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs to the strictest tolerances.

The watch comes with its rare and sought-after original Patek Philippe elliptical presentation box, black with a gold ring on the lid and a red interior, stamped with the Calatrava Cross, as well as its original label indicating the movement number and the watch's reference number. Finding a 3748/1 in such pristine condition, accompanied by its original case, has become extremely rare.

Condition

This Patek Philippe Gold Ellipse reference 3748/1 is preserved in superb overall condition, close to mint.
Dating from the late 1970s, the 18-carat yellow gold case has most certainly never been polished: the edges are extremely sharp, the demarcations between mirror-polished and satin-finished surfaces are clear, and the hallmarks on the side of the case are remarkably sharp.
The sunburst blue "Sigma" dial – the two σ symbols framing the "SWISS" inscription at 6 o'clock certifying, according to Swiss APRIOR standards, that the hour markers and hands are solid gold – radiates a deep and even glow from the center, accentuated by applied gold baton hour markers and exquisitely slender hands. There are no blemishes, scratches, or imperfections to be found on the dial.
The integrated yellow gold bracelet, with a braided pattern, retains its original finish and articulates perfectly.
The hand-wound mechanical movement, Patek Philippe calibre 215, has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and operates within the strictest tolerances.
A reference example.

The Amplitude Guarantee

All the watches available on our website have been meticulously inspected by our team of experts to guarantee their authenticity and originality.

All our watches are systematically checked for mechanical function and precision, and undergo a complete overhaul if necessary.

Every watch sold is covered by a two-year warranty.

Find out more about The Amplitude Guarantee.

Shipping & Deliveries

We ship all watches ordered on our website free of charge worldwide.

Any customs or import duties/taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Amplitude uses several specialized and secure carriers, depending on the destination of each parcel and its contents (Malca Amit, Ferrari, FedEx, etc.).

We are used to shipping watches all over the world, including to Europe, the United States and Asia. Find out more about Shipping & Deliveries at Amplitude.

Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : JNX1
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Golden Ellipse
Reference : 3748/1
Year: Circa 1979
Gender: Men's watch / Unisex
Delivered with: Rare original Patek Philippe box, Original hang tag indicating the watch's reference and movement number, Steel Amplitude° Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Sapphire crystal
Dial color:
Blue
Dial markers: No numerals

Case

Case material: Yellow Gold
Case shape:
Other
Case back: Full, snap-back
Bezel material: Yellow Gold
Dimensions/Diameter: 27 x 32 mm

Movement

Type: Manual winding
Caliber: Patek Philippe 215
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Functions:

Bracelet/Strap

Bracelet/Strap: Integrated braided bracelet in 18-carat yellow gold (750‰), jewelry clasp, signed Patek Philippe
Bracelet/Strap color: Gold
Bracelet/Strap material: Yellow Gold
Buckle/Clasp type: Jewelry clasp
Buckle/Clasp material: Yellow Gold
Lug width: N/A