Superb Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse “Jumbo” Ref. 3738 Automatic – Blue Dial & Cal. 240 Micro-Rotor

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In 1968, Patek Philippe unveiled the Golden Ellipse, its first new collection since the Calatrava of 1932. Inspired by the golden ratio, it established itself as an icon of understated luxury. In 1977, the arrival of the caliber 240 – a 2.53 mm extra-thin automatic with a 22-carat gold micro-rotor – marked a turning point: it was the reference 3738, known as the “Jumbo”, that was the first to house it.
The reference 3738/100 is today widely regarded as the most desirable of the collection. Its 31 × 35.5 mm 18-carat yellow gold case contrasts a mirror-polished bezel with a satin-finished snap-on caseback.
Our example, produced in 2005 and sold on 30 May 2006 as attested by its Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives, is preserved in superb overall condition. The case, close to new, displays deep, crisp hallmarks; the original blue sunburst dial is flawless. The caliber 240 has undergone a complete overhaul by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs perfectly. We present this watch on a new matte navy blue alligator leather strap hand-stitched by our artisan, complemented by the original yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse pin buckle. It comes with our Steel Warranty Card.
A benchmark example of the Golden Ellipse “Jumbo”, confirmed by a recent Extract from the Archives: the quintessence of the golden ratio, the prestige of the caliber 240 and a remarkably preserved blue dial. Discerning collectors will recognise it at once.

Detailed description

In 1968, Patek Philippe unveiled the Golden Ellipse, its first new collection since the Calatrava of 1932. The design, inspired by the “golden ratio” – the proportion of 1/1.618 that Greek mathematicians regarded as the very expression of harmony – broke radically with the watchmaking codes of the time. Neither round nor rectangular, the watch’s elliptical shape immediately established itself as an icon of understated luxury, placing Patek Philippe at the forefront of watch design on the eve of the quartz crisis.

The first references (3546 and 3548) were manually wound. In 1977, the introduction of the caliber 240 – an ultra-thin automatic movement with an off-centre 22-carat gold micro-rotor, developed under the direction of Gérard Berret – marked a decisive turning point for the collection. Just 2.53 mm thick, the Cal. 240 beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, offers a 48-hour power reserve and incorporates a Gyromax balance. It was precisely the reference 3738, known as the “Jumbo”, that was chosen to house this new caliber – a pairing that, nearly fifty years later, remains unchanged in the collection with the current reference 5738, and even, once again, with the reference 3738 relaunched at the Watches & Wonders fair in April 2026. The Cal. 240 also serves as the base for the manufacture’s most prestigious complications: perpetual calendar, world time, celestial chart.

The reference 3738/100 is today widely regarded as the most desirable of the Ellipse collection. Its 31 x 35.5 mm proportions – generous for the time, yet perfectly balanced – combine wrist presence with exceptional slimness thanks to the Cal. 240. The 18-carat yellow gold case, with its mirror-polished bezel and its solid snap-on caseback with a vertical satin/brushed finish, illustrates the mastery of goldsmithing so dear to the Geneva manufacture.

The example we have the pleasure of offering is preserved in perfect overall condition. The blue sunburst dial radiates a deep, even glow from the centre, enhanced by applied gold baton hour markers and very fine hands. The hallmarks on the side of the case are extremely crisp. The new matte navy blue alligator leather strap, hand-stitched by our artisan, is paired with the yellow gold Ellipse pin buckle, which echoes the lines of the case and completes the harmony of the whole. The automatic mechanical movement has undergone a complete overhaul and runs perfectly. An Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives dated May 2026 confirms its production in 2005 and its initial sale on 30 May 2006.

For the discerning Patek Philippe collector, this Golden Ellipse ref. 3738/100 “Jumbo” represents a rare opportunity: the quintessence of golden-ratio design, the prestige of the micro-rotor caliber 240, and a remarkably preserved blue dial.

Condition

This Golden Ellipse reference 3738 is preserved in superb overall condition.
The oval 18-carat yellow gold case is in close to new condition. It displays particularly deep and crisp hallmarks, and a perfect alternation between glossy/mirror-polished and satin/brushed surfaces.
The original dial, in a superb blue sunburst, is flawless. Its inscriptions, including the “SWISS” marking at 6 o’clock, are perfect.
The Amplitude° strap in matte navy blue alligator leather is new, and the 18-carat yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse pin buckle that completes it is in excellent condition.
The automatic mechanical movement that powers it, Patek Philippe caliber 240 with micro-rotor, has undergone a full overhaul by one of our experienced watchmakers and runs within the strictest tolerances.
The Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives is dated May 2026.
A benchmark example, fully confirmed by a recent Extract from the Archives!

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Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : SKP2
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Ellipse d’Or
Reference : 3738/100
Year: Produced in 2005 and sold on 30 May 2006
Gender: Men's watch/Unisex
Delivered with: Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives dated May 2026, showing production in 2005 and an initial sale on 30 May 2006, Amplitude° Steel Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Sapphire crystal
Dial color:
Blue
Dial markers: No numerals
Year (C24):
2006
Scope of delivery:
Watch only

Case

Case material: Yellow Gold
Case shape:
Other
Case back: Solid, snap-on
Bezel material: Yellow Gold
Dimensions/Diameter: 31 x 35,5 mm

Movement

Type: Automatic
Caliber: Patek Philippe 240
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Functions:

Bracelet/Strap

Bracelet/Strap: New Amplitude° strap in matte navy blue alligator leather and yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse pin buckle
Bracelet/Strap color: Blue
Bracelet/Strap material: Crocodile skin
Buckle/Clasp type: Buckle
Buckle/Clasp material: Yellow Gold
Lug width: 20 mm

READ MORE ABOUT THE MODEL

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse

The Ellipse is a symbol of luxury and elegance.

Launched in 1968, the Patek Philippe Ellipse d’Or/Golden Ellipse collection is a remarkable fusion of simplicity and sophistication. Inspired by the principles of divine proportion, also known as the golden ratio, this series demonstrates how sleek design can transcend time while retaining timeless elegance and unique aesthetic harmony. The elliptical shape of the watch, which lends its name to the collection, is directly inspired by this ideal mathematical proportion, reputed to represent perfect balance and beauty in nature and the arts. The distinctive Ellipses case, neither completely round nor completely rectangular, offers a refined alternative to traditional watch shapes.

Over the years, the Ellipse collection has undergone many variations – in terms of size, dial colours and complications – but all have retained the integrity of the original design. The dials, in sober tones such as deep blue, black and champagne, are marked by their simplicity, with discreet hour-markers and complemented by pared-down hands that underline the watch’s intrinsic elegance.

The collection not only set a new standard in watch design but also proved Patek Philippe’s ability to innovate without detaching itself from its heritage. Each piece in the Ellipse collection is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and understated luxury.

Today, the Ellipse remains one of the brand’s most distinctive collections, admired for its unique design and timeless elegance. It symbolises luxury that never goes out of fashion, and continues to attract collectors and watch lovers who appreciate its finesse and exceptional design. At Watches & Wonders in April 2024, Patek Philippe even announced the reintroduction of an Ellipse model with an integrated bracelet in rose gold.