Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse gets a new rose-gold bracelet
This iconic timepiece is now available with a new elegant chain-style rose-gold bracelet. It joins the Patek Philippe collection as the Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001.
“The large-sized Golden Ellipse Reference 5738 welcomes its first metal bracelet. Composed of links set in fine rows reminiscent of chain bracelets, this supple, elegant chain-style bracelet in rose gold – with an engraved clasp pays a fine tribute to the 1970’s, during which the Golden Ellipse watch played a starring role.”
Patek Philippe introduced the Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 during Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, held during April 9th until April 15th, 2024. It is essentially the Golden Ellipse Reference 5738R with a brand-new elegant chain-style rose-gold bracelet. The new bracelet is the result of 15 years of development.
First introduced in 1968, the Golden Ellipse is the longest running model in Patek Philippe’s current catalogue. “Its design was inspired by the principle of the “golden section” discovered by the ancient Greek mathematicians. This “divine” proportion, expressed as a ratio of 1 / 1.6181, forms the basis of some of history’s greatest works of art and architecture.”
Over the decades since its launch, the Golden Ellipse collection has gone through dial, case, and movement updates. Until the early 1980’s, the Golden Ellipse was available in both “a choice of chain bracelets and link bracelets in precious metals”, in addition to leather straps. “Patek Philippe is now reviving that tradition by unveiling the new Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 on an elegant chain-style bracelet in rose gold that follows the contours of the wrist and offers superb comfort while complementing the finesse of the case.”
Key Features
Functions
The Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 functions include:
– Central Hours and Minutes.
– It has a 2-position crown. Pushed in – manually wind the movement. Pulled out – set the time.
Dial
The Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 dial features include:
– It has an ebony black dial with a sunburst finish.
– Its dial plate is made from 18K gold.
– Its cheveu-style hour and minute hands are made from 18K rose gold.
– The 12 baton-style applied hour-markers are made from 18K rose gold.
– “PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVA” is displayed at 12 o’clock, and “SWISS” displayed discreetly at 6 o’clock.
Case
The Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 case features include:
– It has a “harmoniously proportioned case inspired by the famous Golden Ratio.”
– It is made from 18K rose gold.
– Its case dimensions are: 34.5 mm (3 o’clock to 9 o’clock) * 39.5 mm (6 o’clock to 12 o’clock.)
– Its height is 5.9 mm.
– On its dial side it has a sapphire crystal.
– It has a solid case back.
– Its crown at 3 o’clock is set with a black onyx cabochon, “completes the visual harmony of the design.”
– It is water resistant up to 30 metres.
Movement
Left: Movement front. Right: Movement back.
The Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 movement features include:
– It is powered by Patek Philippe’s Caliber 240, an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement. It powers the hours and minutes.
– Its diameter is 27.5 mm.
– Its height is 2.53 mm.
– It comprises of 161 parts.
– It has 6 bridges.
– It has 27 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz.
– It has a minimum power reserve of 48 hours.
– It features an off-centre unidirectional winding mini rotor made of 22K gold.
– It features Patek Philippe innovations such as the Gyromax® balance and Spiromax® (in Silinvar®) balance spring. Its balance spring stud is adjustable.
– Caliber 240 is adorned with the Patek Philippe Seal.
Bracelet
The Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 bracelet features include:
– It features a chain-style bracelet crafted from 18K rose gold.
– It is entirely hand polished.
– It features an exclusive patented construction which consists of 363 parts, and more than 300 links each hand assembled individually.
– It features a clasp made from 18K rose gold and engraved with Patek Philippe’s emblem, the Calatrava Cross. The clasp features “three adjustment positions.”
“The new chain-style bracelet developed and crafted by a historic partner of Patek Philippe and introduced as an exclusive feature of the Golden Ellipse Reference 5738/1R-001 unites the best of those two worlds, with parts produced by industrial processes on the latest-generation CNC machines, and then assembled and finished by hand, drawing on all the traditional know-how of the artisan chainsmiths.”
Our Thoughts
The Golden Ellipse is one of the most iconic timepieces in the world. It is an icon in Patek Philippe’s own universe, which includes several of the greatest timepieces ever made. It can hold its own next to any exclusive timepiece crafted by any exclusive watchmaker – mainstream or independent. It is one of those timepieces that cannot and should not be cross compared. A. Lange & Sohne’s Lange 1 and Rolex’s Datejust and Submariner are other such examples. They belong in their own league.
Yet, it is the least hyped of modern day Patek Philippe timepieces. This means it is easier to obtain one, especially the rose gold version with leather strap – Reference 5738R-001.
The elegant new chain-style rose-gold bracelet adds an abundance of style, flair, and charisma to this icon. It also transforms the Golden Ellipse into a piece of exquisite jewellery. It is for a mature collector, one who will appreciate the history, craftsmanship and attention to detail that this new bracelet entails.
Additional Details
Name: Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse
Reference: 5738/1R-001
Price: Upon Request.
This reference perhaps might be both difficult to obtain and limited in production, given the complexity of crafting the bracelet.
Please contact your local Patek Philippe Authorised Dealer if interested.
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