Offered for sale is a remarkable Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3848/017, dating from April 1991, presented in 18k yellow gold with its distinctive blue dial.

The Golden Ellipse is one of Patek Philippe’s most recognisable and enduring designs, celebrated for its harmonious proportions and understated elegance. First introduced in 1968, the collection became an expression of minimalist luxury, with its characteristic elliptical case inspired by the mathematical proportions of the Golden Ratio.

This particular example is especially compelling for collectors due to its exceptional originality. The 27 x 32mm 18k yellow gold case remains completely unpolished, preserving the crisp edges, original proportions, and character of the case as it left the Patek Philippe manufacture. Equally important, the original bracelet remains uncut and unpolished, a highly desirable feature when assessing the originality and collectability of a vintage Patek Philippe.

The elegant blue dial provides a striking contrast to the warm tone of the yellow gold case, while the slim 6mm profile gives the watch an exceptionally refined presence on the wrist.

The watch is accompanied by its original Patek Philippe presentation box and documentation, including the original warranty certificate. Although the certificate has sustained some damage over the years, it remains fully readable. An Extract from the Archives issued directly by Patek Philippe further documents the watch’s history and provenance.

The watch was also serviced in-house on 8 September 2026, adding an important element of reassurance for its next owner.

⸻

Key Features

Reference: 3848/017

Date: April 1991

Case: 27 x 32mm, 18k yellow gold

Thickness: 6.0mm

Dial: Blue

Movement: Manual winding

Crystal: Sapphire crystal

Bracelet: Original 18k yellow gold bracelet

Bracelet Condition: Original, uncut and unpolished

Case Condition: Original and never polished

⸻

Condition

Good vintage condition

The watch shows visible and tangible signs of age and previous wear, including light scratches, scuffs, and small marks

Importantly, the case has never been polished, preserving its original form and crispness

Original bracelet remains uncut and unpolished

Dial and crystal remain well preserved

The watch was serviced in-house on 8 September 2026

⸻

Set

Full set with original box and documentation

Original Patek Philippe presentation box

Original Patek Philippe warranty certificate — damaged but fully readable

Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives

Original bracelet, uncut and unpolished

⸻

Notes

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse occupies a unique place in the history of fine watchmaking. Rather than relying on elaborate complications or overtly decorative design, the collection is defined by its distinctive proportions, purity of form, and exceptional attention to detail.

The reference 3848/017 is a particularly attractive vintage example, combining the classic elliptical 18k yellow gold case with a sophisticated blue dial and the understated elegance for which the Golden Ellipse is known.

For collectors, however, the greatest appeal of this particular example lies in its originality. An untouched case that has never been polished, together with an original bracelet that remains uncut and unpolished, is increasingly difficult to find in vintage Patek Philippe watches. These details preserve the watch’s original character and make it especially interesting to those who value authenticity and provenance.

The accompanying documentation further strengthens the appeal of the piece. Alongside the original box and warranty certificate, the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives provides additional historical documentation for the watch.

Having undergone an in-house service on 8 September 2026, this Golden Ellipse combines the character of a vintage Patek Philippe with the reassurance of recent professional attention.

A beautiful and highly original example of the Golden Ellipse, this ref. 3848/017 offers a compelling combination of vintage character, untouched proportions, original bracelet, comprehensive documentation, and the timeless design language of Patek Philippe.

A discreet and sophisticated collector’s piece for those who appreciate originality, provenance, and the understated elegance of vintage Patek Philippe.