Wallpaper 10

PHOTOGRAPHY: NORMAN WILCOX-GEISSEN WRITER: CARAGH MCKAY

Ellipse gloss

Patek Philippe updates an era-defining dress watch

The unique nature of Swiss watch design – strongly

defined by technical and decorative handcraft – has

always allowed maverick ideas to flourish and endure,

even against the backdrop of growing mass production

in the horological industry during the 1950s and 1960s.

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, launched in

1968, embodies a collision of eras. The original dial of

blue-gold, a specially created alloy, looked back to

goldsmith techniques of the 1950s; the slim case, hands

and indices emit 1960s suave; yet the piece’s substantial,

lozenge-like form hints at early 1970s futurism. Three

decades of iterations have rendered the design a true

classic; Patek even launched accessories, including

Golden Ellipse lighters, pendants and cufflinks.

THE 2018 ROSE-GOLD

GOLDEN ELLIPSE 5738R-001

GRAND TAILLE EDITION

WITH SUPER-SLIM PP 240

AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT,

£23,620, BY PATEK PHILIPPE

Debate abounds as to the Golden Ellipse’s origins – one

idea is that its shape was inspired by an aerial view of a

US highway junction, while its form points to a golden

ratio philosophy. This latter theory has merit; the

women’s versions are as handsomely proportioned as

the men’s, their form undiminished on a smaller wrist.

In its 50th year, the Golden Ellipse serves as a classic

dress watch and symbol of taste. The 2018 update, the

5738R-001, a jumbo – grand taille – edition with a 34mm

x 39.5mm rose-gold case, sunray black-dial and typically

superfine rose-gold hands and indices, pays homage

to its legacy. It is accompanied by a special-edition set

of cufflinks for the true horology connoisseur. ∂

patek.com

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