Launched in 1968, the Patek Philippe Ellipse broke from convention and marked the era of oddly-shaped watches. While the wristwatch was, generally speaking, always round until the late ‘60s, the dress watch was absolutely not an exception, with its construction almost exclusively confined to precious metals and round, thin cases. The famously conservative Patek Philippe changed this convention in 1968 with the Ellipse. Born from the golden ratio, the Ellipse’s case was notably unique for a dress watch, and thus began its journey as one of the Genevan giant’s best-known watches, remarkable in its differences and quietly confident aura. Here, we have a Ladies Ellipse ref. 4565-2 that takes that confident aura and runs with it in an entirely different direction by making the Ellipse even more unique. While most Ellipse references feature domed bezels and leather straps, the ref. 4565 features a bezel like a twisted rope and an incredibly intricate bracelet made of 18kt yellow gold, exemplifying the Ellipse’s status as a watch that broke from convention and went somewhere that few others had gone at the time of the Ellipse’s original release. Featuring a champagne dial, this example’s palette is entirely monochromatic as its dial pairs with its yellow gold construction, thus dressing down its aesthetic and making it that bit more refined.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. Watch shows light surface wear only, dial in near mint condition. Factory bracelet is signed on clasp. Length of the watch is approximately 6.75 inches, and the dial is 23.8 x 19.9mm.

Extravagance personified, this example embodies the Ellipse's essence as a trendsetter. With its unique construction and styling, it is perhaps the opposite of what you might expect from Patek, and that is why we love it.