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3 Golden Ellipse: which one would you choose ?
Like many of us, I'm very drawn to the Golden Ellipse, and from my perspective, there are two main choices to make:
- First: manual or automatic movement? If you choose a manual winding movement, you're limited to what I would call the extra-small size; if, however, you opt for an automatic movement, you have a choice between two sizes: small and large.
- Hence the second choice, only if you choose an automatic movement: large or small size?
What is your personal preference?
Best, Emmanuel
A/ Extra-small manual winding: ref. 3848
Note how the crown is designed for the daily winding ritual.
As indicated on the certificate of origin above: manual-winding calibre 215:
credit: arbitro & Vintage Gold Watches London (last photo only)
B/ Small automatic: ref. 3738
Note how the crown is much thinner on this automatic model.
Automatic calibre 240 doesn't match the shape of the Ellipse case, but in terms of width it fits the case perfectly:
credit: 41 Watch (1-8) & Arbitro
C/ Large automatic: ref. 5738
Small crown, like with the ref. 3738:
Note how the 240 calibre is not only of a different shape than the case, but a bit small for it...
credit: The Watch Club London (1-4), The Watch Collectors (5), @kollectoor (6), @penny_watch_seoul (7-8), k2luxury (9-10), @therealwatchlover (11), @uhren.oedingerdel (12-13) & Hodinkee shop (14-15)
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3 Golden Ellipse: which one would you choose ?
Like many of us, I'm very drawn to the Golden Ellipse , and from my perspective, there are two main choices to make: First: manual or automatic movement? If you choose a manual winding movement, you're limited to what I would call the extra-small size; if...
What about a 3738G ? Would you still choose the 5738P ?
credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches ...
One of the automatics, I think, quattro.
Though I'd like to feel/see them all on the wrist. Big fan of this version with the slate dial!
I prefer manual winding movements,
but the 3848 might be too small. I will try during the coming months to see and try on different variants in order to get a better idea of what really works for me. Best, Emmanuel
I know what you mean 😊
I guess it depends on the wrist size - the large automatic looks borderline too large on some shots but on a wearer with a stronger wrist it might work fine.
Here's how the 5738 looks on my 16 cm wrist.
The smaller size (3738) would probably be even better, but this larger size didn't bother me, especially with the bracelet (the strap variant didn't feel as good on the wrist)... ...
Thanks for adding these 😊👍🏻🙏🏻
I would personally have gone for the smaller one but taste is very individual, as we know 😁
I am smitten by your “golden” post Emmanuel 👍
Dial color wise, LOVE most the brown “soleil dore” from the first ellipse ! 🤩 Movement wise I prefer the automatic. A combo of the above two would be ideal 😉
Yes, Gordon, this so-called Autumn dial seems absolutely wonderful.
Unfortunately, I think it's never been made again with the automatic models. I personally prefer manual-winding, so I would probably choose the 3848, despite the extra-small size. Best, Emmanuel
For me fit comes first
If the mouvement is manual or automatic is of less importance. So I would choose the 3738g with blue dial, for the size, not too small and not too big.
Fit is definitely important and you're probably right to give it the priority.
Is there such a thing as a 3738G with a blue dial? I think the G only came with a grey dial (cf. photo below). I personally really like manual-winding better than self-winding. So I'm not completely sure if the Golden Ellipse as it is, is really for me. I...
Well, in fact it turns out that I was wrong:
I found a white gold/blue dial listed on C24 and it seems to be genuine (though absolutely rare but)... Best, Emmanuel ...
For me Personal preference
1. Automatic 2 3738 good size for me 3 blue dial 4 yellow gold case Perfect ...
I must say that this is a very appealing variant indeed,
especially with the sigma dial. I just wish it was manual winding, as I really enjoy the winding ritual very much. However, as you say, this 3738/100J is somehow “perfect”. Best, Emmanuel
2nd and 3rd for me. I like larger watches.
But the less-attractive part of the gold case that connects to the strap often shows itself and this part irritates me as I don't feel it's supposed to be seen.
I see what you mean.
It doesn't bother me personally, but I understand that this element of design can be irritating. Best, Emmanuel
Great, thanks a lot for posting yours! It's gorgeous.
Especially as you don't post often, I'm very grateful that you did here! Have a great Sunday. Best, Emmanuel
Hard to choose from ! To me, the smaller 3848 has better proportions, in particular the thinner case vs. 3738. I tried 3738 & 5738, and can confirm Nico's appraisal, the smaller the better, even though it is a matter of tastes
Overall, I tend to prefer the more classic blue dial, even though I find the brown very nice and the "bordeaux" of the 3848 presented quite appealing. After that, movement 215 is a beast, no issues whatsoever with it even though 240 with its micro rotor i...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts !
The smaller might be the better indeed. I think that if I found a 3848 with an “Autumn” dial I would be tempted. Especially since I prefer manual winding movements. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, the 3848 might be a bit small.
But I prefer manual winding movements and I think I would find it hard to resist an Autumn dial. But it is excessively rare, unfortunately. Best, Emmanuel
Middle!
I've found the small manual version, surprisingly, a little weak visually when I've tried it on, though it looks awfully appealing in these photos. I know exactly which Ellipse is the one for me (if it should ever happen): the 3738G with the grey dial. Go...
Thank you for your feedback concerning the 3848:
I really have to find one to try on. The 3738G seems to be very attractive indeed. Best, Emmanuel
To be quite honest ...
None of them. I just don't get the appeal ... just my humble opinion. But hey, thankfully there are enough watches out there for satisfy everyone's tastes!
I definitely understand that one can be indifferent to this design.
I feel differently, obviously, but as you say, to each his own and there are so many different designs that everyone can find something that works for him. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, Gary. I’ve only tried on the 5738R, but,
hopefully I’ll be able to try on the P next Christmas. Best, Emmanuel
For you
I like the brown Sunray dial. The size is right for both casual and dress and I think the color wears well in both. Blue is nice but a more common color and I feel like the reason you are drawn to it is for individual expression.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful impressions.
I think you might be right and hope I’ll be able to try on a 3738/100R in the near future. Best, Emmanuel
They are all quite beautiful
I was fortunate to view the blue dial in platinum at Valobra Jewelers in New Orleans a couple years ago and it is stunning.
I’ve only tried on the 5738R but hope to able to try on the P next Christmas.
Even more than the blue dial, what I want to see the most is how a platinum case feels with this design which is, originally, very much linked to yellow gold (or let’s say colored gold). Best, Emmanuel
I like all variations of the Ellipse. My choice was the 3738 blue gold dial and yellow gold case.
What many are not aware: the Ellipse is Patek's thinnest watch and even more impressive is that it is an automatic watch.
Yes, it is impressive.
But I personally would like the 3738 and the 5738 even more if they were manual winding. Automatic does nothing for me, especially when it comes to a dress watch. Best, Emmanuel
The trouble is the miniscule crown.
I think that is why 3738 and 5738 have an auto movement. However, as small the crown is, it can still be wound manually.
I would say it's the opposite:
it's because these references are automatic that the crown has been made thinner. As for winding an automatic movement daily, that doesn't really make sense in my opinion...
I would go for an automatic movement. The small model in size. To me they are charming. Slim sleek and sexy on your wrist. 😊
Thanks for the post Quatro. Geross.
Thank you Geross.
I personally prefer manual winding movements and would like the 3738 and 5738 even more if they weren’t automatic. That said, both are wonderful looking and I wonder if the 3848 does not feel too small. Hopefully the coming moths will allow me to try on d...
Would depend on whether you could pull off the smaller size.
Personally, i would prefer the smaller size and preferably with the integrated bracelet. However i cannot pull it off. Looks too small on my wrist. Best Anand
Do you mean this one (photo below)?
I will try to find one, with or without bracelet to try on. Thank you for your comment, Anand. Best, Emmanuel credit: collectability ...