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Patek Philippe 3738 - Jumbo Ellipse

Details

The Ellipse in full gold

This Patek Philippe Ellipse is the model the way it was meant to be worn. Automatic movement, champagne dial, and full 18k yellow gold bracelet. Clean, balanced, and unmistakably Patek from the late seventies. It's not trying to reinvent the Ellipse. It is simply doing it correctly.

Why this configuration matters

The 3738 is one of the core Ellipse references. The proportions are right, the case is slim, and the automatic movement keeps it practical without changing the elegance of the design. The champagne dial keeps everything cohesive against the yellow gold case and bracelet. The integrated 18k bracelet is what separates this from strap examples. It turns the watch into a complete object rather than just a dress head on leather. This is the Ellipse as a piece of jewelry and watchmaking combined, exactly how Patek positioned it in the catalog at the time.

What you need to know

Condition is very good throughout. The dial is excellent. The bracelet is excellent and wears well within its size range. The glass is clean. The case presents well with normal wear consistent with age. Mechanically, the watch is running strong after passing by our test bench

A proper vintage Ellipse

This is a straightforward, well-preserved Ellipse in one of its most classic forms. No experiments, no unusual dial, no compromises. Just a solid 3738 with the right bracelet and strong overall presentation. For someone who wants a vintage Patek that is elegant, wearable, and easy to live with, this one checks the right boxes.
Key Specs
Reference: 3738
Model: Ellipse
Year: 1977
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 30 × 35mm
Bezel: 18k yellow gold
Bracelet: Integrated 18k yellow gold bracelet
Dial: Champagne
Wrist Size: Fits 6.7–6.9 inches
SKU: 102
History

In 1968, Patek Philippe introduced the Golden Ellipse — a watch whose case dimensions were derived from the golden ratio, the mathematical proportion found in classical architecture and nature. The result is a case that looks neither circular nor rectangular but occupies a gravitational middle ground that is immediately recognizable and impossible to imitate convincingly.

The Ellipse arrived at the right moment: the late 1960s were a time of geometric experimentation in watchmaking, but most attempts at "design watches" aged badly. The Ellipse aged better than almost anything from its era because its proportions were grounded in mathematics rather than trend.

References across our inventory span the 1970s through 1990s: ref 3566, 3567, 3748, 4266/905, and various numbered references in yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Dials in blue, brown, onyx, champagne, and malachite all appear. The integrated bracelet versions are particularly prized — a Patek with a bracelet is a rare and serious thing.


What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!