THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: PATEK PHILIPPE
MODEL: 3788
YEAR: c1985
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 27X32mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Patek Philippe Ellipse is easily one of the most iconic designs to emerge from the 1970s. When it was first unveiled, it was unlike anything else in the world of watchmaking. At a time when traditional round dress watches, sport chronographs, and professional dive watches were being rolled out in full force, the seemingly simple Ellipse took an entirely different approach. Its case, inspired by the “Golden Ratio,” sits between a circle and a rectangle, creating a uniquely graceful oval form.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the watch world was shaken like never before with the invention of quartz technology. Easy to manufacture and astonishingly accurate, quartz movements took the market by storm—so much so that even the oldest watch houses were forced to adapt.

While some enthusiasts have an intrinsic distaste for quartz watches, we believe they can be just as cool as their mechanical counterparts. The ref. 3788 we have here is powered by the cal. E23C movement, housed in an elegantly slim case. Measuring 27 × 32 mm, the 18k yellow gold case wears remarkably well—even on a 19–20 cm wrist. The star of the show is the rare champagne dial, which has aged gracefully into a warm golden hue.

A signature feature of the Ellipse is its hidden lug design—the strap appears to flow directly from the case, giving it an especially clean look. We had these straps custom made by our friends at The Strap Tailor, and the original Ellipse clasp is still present. The case proudly carries the light marks it has gathered over the years, which we have of course left untouched.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about this watch. It offers a snapshot of the 1980s and the good times it has seen.