Released in 1970, two years after the introduction of the Ellipse collection to Patek's roster, the Golden Ellipse collection featured a larger and more prominent case design that coincided with the evolution of style occurring at the time as watches slowly began to grow out of the dainty cases they had been kept within. Launched in 1978 and offered in multiple dial colors, materials and configurations, the ref. 3738 was, and still is, a naturally varied timepiece that speaks to just as wide a diaspora of collectors today as it did back in the day. Offered with its blue “Sigma” dial, the ref. 3738 that we have here features only yellow gold in its hands and baton hour markers, making it a collectable timepiece for its tarnish and rust-resistant qualities. Fitted with one of the thinnest automatic movements on the market at the time, the cal. 240, the ref. 3738 boasts a wonderfully thin and easily wearable profile to compound upon its classy aesthetic and operate as a splendid dress watch today, just as it did in the 1970s. Alongside its wearable proportions, the example we have here also sits on a wonderfully ornate 18kt yellow gold bracelet that only compounds upon its luxurious aesthetic and sets it apart as a truly luxurious timepiece.

Watch is in very good overall condition. There are visible scratches and marks on the bezel and around the case and bracelet. Caseback hallmarks are still crisp and visible. Dial is in near-mint condition and appears visually flawless. The bracelet has 15 links total and can fit a 6.25" wrist. It will fit a small sized wrist and cannot easily be re-sized.

Emphasising Patek's ability to create an elegant timepiece without the use of emphatic and over-zealous design language, the Golden Ellipse is a carefully created timepiece that elegantly achieves its mission of communicating a sense of true watchmaking luxury.