Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Ellipse 3548 Ellipse with Blue Dial & Gold Font
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dimensions
- Case 32 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 10101646524692
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 10101646524692)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Ellipse 3548 Ellipse w/Blue Dial & Gold Font (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 10101646524692), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 32 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY
The Ellipse was initially released in 1968 and to this day remains potentially the most unique design from Patek Philippe. Many iterations featured quartz, however some were produced with mechanical movements and today as the model becomes more appreciated in the collecting sphere, we believe these examples deserve the most attention. This particular Ellipse ref. 3548, circa 1970s is cased in 18k yellow gold and houses a gorgeous blue sunburst dial. This dial also features gold font which was seen in the early part of the production run, making it a compelling example for vintage collectors. At 27 x 32mm the vertical round case is perfect for small to medium sized wrists. It has remained in great vintage condition overall. The dial has a touch of wear on the far right by 3 o'clock, visible in the macro photography, and such is the case with many examples of this era. It is not distracting to the naked eye. The case shows light signs of use and no notable blemishes. It comes with a later PP signed 18k pin buckle and PP glossy gator strap in black. For anyone looking for a "true vintage" Ellipse among Patek Philippe watches this piece is a joy to behold and have on wrist.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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