Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 205
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3748 / 1, blue “Sigma” dial, integrated bracelet; “Ellipse d’Or”; 18K white gold
Ref. 3748 / 1, blue “Sigma” dial, integrated bracelet; “Ellipse d’Or”; 18K white gold
EUR 6,000 - 8,000
USD 7,200 - 9,500 / HKD 56,000 - 74,000
Sold: EUR 7,800
18K white gold, manual-winding, vertical elliptical-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch.
Polished three-piece case, with snap-on case-back.
Blue colour sunburst “Sigma” dial with radial applied 18K white gold indexes. 215 calibre, Gyromax balance, self-compensating flat hairspring, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, “Poinçon de Genève” (Geneva Quality Hallmark or Geneva seal).
Polished three-piece case, with snap-on case-back.
Blue colour sunburst “Sigma” dial with radial applied 18K white gold indexes. 215 calibre, Gyromax balance, self-compensating flat hairspring, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, “Poinçon de Genève” (Geneva Quality Hallmark or Geneva seal).
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Patek Philippe, Geneva
Model Ellipse d’Or
Reference 3748 / 1
Year circa 1985
Movement No. 1 335 665
Case No. No. 2 817 680 (by Manufacture Favre & Perret S.A., La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Bracelet integrated 18K white gold PP bracelet with clasp
Length 180 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 215
Dimensions 32.3 x 27 mm
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories pouch; Extract from the Archives
Notes
The Extract from the Archives, dated February 15, 2021, mentioned that this watch was sold on September 23, 1985.
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Patek Philippe, “Ellipse d’or”, References 3546, 3548 and References 3648, 3746, 3748
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Patek Philippe, “Ellipse d’or”, References 3546, 3548 and References 3648, 3746, 3748
The references 3546 and 3548 were launched in 1967 and remained in production until the mid-1970s.
The majority in yellow gold, more rarely in white gold.
A few thousand examples have been produced, available with different type of dials (especially the blue colour sunburst dial; an 18K gold physically transformed by exclusive Patek Philippe process) and bracelets (Ref. 3546-1, 3546-2, etc.).
The “Ellipse d’or” model was inspired by the “Golden section” (“Divina proportione” or “Proportio continua”), which is the perfect equilibrium of shapes and corresponds to the ratio 1/1.6181.
The Ref. 3546 is with lugs, while the Ref. 3548 is without visible lugs (but with a central lug on the reverse of the watch). The cases were produced by Fr. Baumgartner in Geneva but the last cases were made by Favre & Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Both references were replaced in 1976 by Ref. 3648, 3746 and 3748 (Cal. 215).
The family of the Golden Ellipse watches is still in production today, making it one of the most long-lasting models ever manufactured by the firm.
Bibliography
· Patrizzi, 2010, vol. 2, p. 235 (No. 979, similar watch in 18K yellow gold).
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“Sigma” dials
In the 1970s, the presence of the two Greek letters “Sigma” on either side of “SWISS” was intended to give a distinctive sign to Swiss-made dials with solid gold hour-indexes. Only members of APRIOR (Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l’Or) were entitled to use this mark; among them, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, IWC and Omega.
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*a 20% import VAT is due on the hammer price with buyer's premium, plus 150€ for termination of temporary export, at buyer's expense, only if it is delivered within the EU
*a 20% import VAT is due on the hammer price with buyer's premium, plus 150€ for termination of temporary export, at buyer's expense, only if it is delivered within the EU