Patek Philippe Ellipse 3748

There’s something about the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse that feels inevitable, as if it’s always existed. Introduced in 1968, its proportions weren’t a matter of chance or fleeting design trends. Instead, they followed the ancient Golden Ratio—a mathematical balance found in nature, architecture, and art. This wasn’t just another watch design; it was an expression of harmony itself. And when you look at the reference 3847, you understand exactly what that means.

The 3847 wasn’t Patek’s first Ellipse, but it became the one that endured. It arrived in 1976 as the successor to the original reference 3548, refining and perfecting the formula. It remained in production until 1994—an 18-year testament to how much better the second-generation Ellipse was and how long it remained beloved by both Patek Philippe and collectors alike.

The 27mm yellow gold case floats on the wrist, thanks to a lug-less design that seamlessly integrates with the strap. The effect is almost magical—without visible lugs, the black leather strap seems to emerge from beneath the case rather than attach to it. It’s a sleight of hand that enhances the watch’s elegance, allowing the golden sunburst dial to take center stage.

And what a dial it is. The sunburst finishing isn’t just for show; it actively plays with the light, shifting tones from deep gold to a warm champagne glow amongst the black Roman numerals.

Beneath that dial is the beating heart of the Ellipse: Patek’s calibre 215 manual-wind movement. Geneva sealed, this movement is a workhorse in the truest sense—reliable, beautifully finished, and celebrated among watchmakers for its precision and longevity. There’s a reason this movement remained a mainstay in Patek’s catalog for decades.

And then there’s the final detail that brings it all together: the buckle. Patek didn’t simply attach a standard gold buckle and call it a day. No, they crafted an 18k gold ellipse-shaped buckle that mirrors the watch case perfectly. A small touch, but an essential one—because when Patek does something, they do it completely.

Owning a Patek Philippe is never just about having a watch. It’s about carrying forward an idea—one that has resonated across generations, always relevant, always timeless. The Ellipse isn’t loud, nor does it need to be. It’s a classic among classics, a watch that doesn’t try to define an era but instead stands outside of time altogether. And that’s precisely why it will never go out of style.