Patek Philippe Ellipse

In 1968, Patek Philippe introduced the Golden Ellipse — a bold departure from traditional round dress watches and a full eight years before the arrival of the Nautilus. Defined by its harmonious oval form, inspired by the golden ratio, the Ellipse signaled a shift toward avant-garde elegance at a time when utilitarian tool watches dominated the industry.

As the decades rolled on, however, tastes changed. Collectors gravitated toward steel chronographs and rugged dive watches tied to stories of conquest and exploration. Many refined, design-driven gold pieces from the 1970s and '80s — including the Ellipse — were overlooked, tucked away in drawers, or, in too many unfortunate cases, scrapped for their metal value. Today, that mindset is evolving. A new generation of collectors is rediscovering these sculptural expressions of watchmaking, recognizing them as wearable works of art.

This example, a Reference 3586J/1 from the early 1970s, beautifully captures that spirit. Housed in a 36mm x 34mm solid 18K yellow gold cushion case, it features a warm champagne sunburst dial with applied 'stick' indices and a matching 'pencil' handset. It is fitted to a classic, Patek Philippe signed, black leather strap with a gold pin buckle. Inside beats Patek's ultra-slim Calibre 350, notable for its crown-on-the-caseback configuration — an innovative concept that made the watch equally suited to left- and right-handed wearers, even if its architecture later proved more vulnerable to moisture than traditional layouts.

Pieces like this stand apart in a sea of steel sports watches — sophisticated, unconventional, and quietly confident. The Golden Ellipse doesn't shout. It doesn't need to. It represents a purer idea of luxury: form as identity, proportion as poetry, and design as destiny.

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.