Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1993 Reference No: 3978/22 Movement No: 1’837’897 Case No: 2’929’109 Model Name: Golden Ellipse Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 215S, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold integrated Patek Philippe mesh bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 28.5mm width x 35.5mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and cufflink box. Further delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1993 and its subsequent date of sale on 22nd October 1993.
Catalogue Essay
The Golden Ellipse, also known as Ellipse d’Or is one of Patek Philippe’s oldest lineage second only to the Calatrava. First launched in 1968, the unmistakable style of the elliptical case reimagined the landscape of typical dress watches of the era. Neither round nor square, the Ellipse was inspired by the alluring principle of the golden ratio discovered by the ancient Greek mathematicians. The divine proportion breaks free from traditional form and displays true serenity. The Ellipse family was also the first lineage from the maison to have a wide variety of accessories, such as matching keychains and cufflinks.
By the end of the 1970s, the Golden Ellipse had a lineup of no less than 65 variations. The reference 3978 debuted in 1981, was the first Ellipse to ever feature a subsidiary seconds on the dial. Fitted with a captivating blue sunburst dial and gold markers, the dial shimmers with elegance, the present example also features a handsome integrated gold bracelet. Furthermore, the present lot is charmed with a pair of matching gold cufflinks tailored to match with any formal attire. Highly regarded as a cult classic and dares to be unique, the present example is certainly a perfect timepiece for the exquisite individual.
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.
Ref. 3978/22 A very fine and attractive yellow gold oval-shaped wristwatch with small seconds, integrated bracelet, a pair of matching oval-shaped cufflinks and presentation box
1993 28.5mm width x 35.5mm length Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
