920

Patek Philippe

Ref. 3845/909

Ellipse

A fresh-to-the-market, rare, elegant and ultra-thin white gold elliptical-shaped wristwatch with diamond-set lapis lazuli and white gold dial and Jean-Pierre Ecoffey integrated mesh bracelet

Estimate
HK$80,000–160,000
€9,000–18,100
$10,300–20,500
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1979
Movement No
1’330’388
Reference No
3845/909
Case No
536’729
Model Name
Ellipse
Material
18K white gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 215, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
18K white gold Jean-Pierre Ecoffey for Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 180mm
Clasp/Buckle
18K white gold Jean-Pierre Ecoffey for Patek Philippe clasp, stamped “23”
Dimensions
27mm length x 32mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe slip case. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1979 and its subsequent date of sale 14th October 1987.
Read Conditions of Sale
Good to know:
- Rare configuration with diamond-set lapis lazuli and white gold dial
- Fresh-to-the-market, fourth known example on the auction market
- Jean-Pierre Ecoffey integrated mesh bracelet
- Service sticker still intact

The horizontal Ellipse ref. 3845 was launched in circa 1976 as a successor of the ref. 3745, and the present watch was manufactured in 1979 as confirmed in the Extract from the Archives. With a different orientation on the golden ratio, Patek Philippe began exploring more possibilities on the dial. The series features dials with playful precious stones mounted into geometric patterns such as lapis, onyx and mother-of-pearl with integrated bracelet. This timepiece is fitted with a deep blue lapis lazuli and white gold dial adorned with a thin line of diamonds. The Patek Philippe signature is thoughtfully placed at the top left corner of the dial, avoiding the disturbance of the symmetry.

Another highlight of the present timepiece would be its integrated mesh bracelet in white gold, signed Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, one of the most respected case and bracelet makers of all times. Extremely refined and elegant, the bracelet flows almost like fabric on the wrist.

Offered in excellent condition with its service sticker intact, it is the fourth example seen on the auction market. This is an unmissable opportunity for collectors to witness this fresh-to-the-market, rare find after this configuration in white gold case and hardstone and white gold dial elegant timepiece was last seen in auction 6 years ago.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839

Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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