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Patek Philippe

Ref. 3730

Golden Ellipse

An exquisite, supremely attractive and well-preserved wristwatch with onyx dial and onyx-set crown

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Reference 3730 is one of those watches that best incarnates the ethos of the Ellipse in the 1970s. In production for about one and a half decades (1976-1990), thanks to its large 38.5x31mm size and lug-less design it allows the beholder to admire the perfectly proportioned case in all of its unabashed geometrical beauty. On top of that, it appears that the model was predominately executed with onyx dials, truly incorporating the experimentalism that is typical of the 1970s. Compounding to its mystique, the model appears to be incredibly rare: so far only 6 pieces were identified known from the market, making this previously unknown example the 7th.

In this specimen, the wonderfully preserved onyx dial creates a pitch black pool of perfect glossiness which markedly contrasts with the warm gold case for a superb aesthetic effects. The fact that the case is in condition nearly as perfect as the dial - with crisp hallmarks to the back and minor surface marks, indicating a possibly unpolished watch - is the final touch for this remarkable timepiece.

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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