Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse: A 70s Icon — WatchProSite Forum Digest

Baron - Mr Red · 2015-02-01T07:52:00Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, a 1970s icon. Collectors discuss its design, wearability, and enduring appeal in white gold and blue dial variants.

Baron - Mr Red

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Baron - Mr Red initiates a fascinating discussion on the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, a reference he finds immediately recognizable as quintessentially Patek. He explores its 1970s aesthetic and its place on a collector's 'want list.' This thread delves into why the Ellipse, particularly in white gold with a blue dial, continues to captivate collectors.

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The picture is courtesy of Kari....

I was just curious how many Patek collectors had considered this reference? It may be just peculiar to me, but when I see it, it makes me think "Patek" immediately. Maybe some of that is because so many wall clocks were made using the Elipse design, but of all the references that Patek have made, if there was one that really signified the 1970s, it would be the Elipse. kari's version here is in WG. I am not sure whether I prefer the WG or YG, but either way, I find the combination with the case shape and blue dial really appealing.

I have two lists. My want list and my will get list. My want list is much longer than my will get list. There are so many watches that I would like to own, but the reality is I will only buy a small proportion. The Elipse is definitely on my want list. I am not sure yet whether it goes on my will get list.

Its not that it will make a difference as to whether I decide or not, but I am curious to hear what others think.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Golden Ellipse embodies 1970s taste and is admired by artists and architects for its beauty and balance, specifically referencing the Golden Section.
The white gold and blue dial combination of the Golden Ellipse is no longer produced; current models feature a gray dial, which is also highly regarded.
The Ellipse's proportions are perfect for most wrists, with the platinum version being notably larger and less aesthetically pleasing to some. It's an understated watch that still makes a statement.
The gray dial of the newer white gold Ellipse is particularly special and difficult to capture in photos, offering an ultimate understatement that becomes dandy with a light brown strap.
For some collectors, the Golden Ellipse represents a 'pure zen' experience, a departure from overthinking watch acquisitions and a return to emotional connection.
The Ellipse is praised as a quirky, slim, and instantly recognizable Patek design, easily dressed up or down, with a blue gold dial that changes intensity with light.
While yellow gold Ellipse versions lean towards an Art Deco aesthetic, white gold models perfectly capture the 70s vibe with a more modern wearability. The Apple Watch even shows an uncanny resemblance to the 3582 reference.
The Golden Ellipse, born in 1968, evokes a 'Zeitgeist at the intersection of the old and the new,' reflecting a period of classic grand hotels and emerging jet-set culture.

The Discussion

Fricks

Feb 1, 2015

Nice watch, but that one falls in a very strange category...

... to me, its a matter of timing. For now, i like to add only watches that i will wear and enjoy. That model just feels right when i will be older, and that i would have gotten already all the complicated and super complicated models, and all kind of watches i want.... only then i will get back to the simple timeless beauty.

Baron - Mr Red

Feb 1, 2015

Interesting comment....

.....i had never thought about associating age and complications. Sure, when I was a kid, I wanted a watch that would do EVERYTHING. I just bought a super-complicated Garmin.....that HAS to be the most complicated watch in the world!! Maybe I am still a kid.... .....but on watches, I am finding with Patek that super-complications are not my goal. Certainly, some complications appeal...but equally I am growing more and more to the "purity" angle. This Elipse is 70s fun to me. Not that i was party

Tonypatch

Apr 3, 2017

Fully agree

About the "kid who wants a master of the universe watch which can do it all". EdO is a nice, if not THE essence of the 2nd half of the 20th century PP style.

dr.kol

Feb 1, 2015

Really funny...

Just today I compared my Royal Oak, Nautilus and Golden Ellipse. I tried to see if Genta's style could be found from all of the three designs. On thing is sure: all three watches represent the slimmest designs in the category. With Royal Oak and Nautilus one can go nearly everywhere. But when dressing to tuxedo, then this dress is screaming for Golden Ellipse. And naturally, matching cufflinks. Best, Kari

christianch

Feb 1, 2015

I got one in white gold and here is my advice...

Hi ! I got one in white gold (the current, new model and I did post a review here just few months ago ) the one of kari with WG/blue combination is no longer produced - not sure if you intend to buy it new. If you do the new version is the one I have with gray dial which is really nice. Anyway here are my words of wisdom: I truly like/love my ellipse but I ended up wearing it not as much as I wanted. The problem with too simple / 70's vintage looking timepieces is that are not really intriguing

dr.kol

Feb 1, 2015

Like said,

mine is a tuxedo watch meaning that I do not wear it many times annually. However, when I do, I really enjoy the watch. Best, Kari

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