
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Ellipse Blue Dial (Ref. 3548), 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 27 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 8306022023351
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8306022023351)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1970s Patek Philippe Ellipse Blue Dial (Ref. 3548) (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8306022023351), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 27 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 — Huntington Company
History & Significance The ref. 3548 is one of the earliest members of the Ellipse family, introduced during the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s. It carries the signature ultra-slim profile, integrated bezel, and minimalist two-hand layout that defined Patek Philippe’s dress design language of the era. The blue sunburst dial is one of the most recognizable aesthetics in the Ellipse line and remains a hallmark of this reference. Collectors value the 3548 for its thin manual-wind movement, elegant proportions, and the strong continuity it holds with later Ellipse models. Its cushion-oval case wears flatter and more refined than many similarly sized pieces from the period. Writer’s Thoughts A classic Patek silhouette with a deep blue dial that still feels contemporary. The thin case and clean layout give it a quiet presence that suits formal or minimalist wear. Our Promise Every watch we offer is fully vetted, described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. This Patek Philippe Ellipse is carefully inspected and presented with originality intact, a true representation of our commitment to quality and trust. Specifications Brand: Patek Philippe Model: Ellipse ref. 3548 Year: circa 1970s Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Size: 27mm x 32mm Dial: Blue sunburst Movement: Manual Strap: Patek Philippe original leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold buckle Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Strong condition with light surface wear consistent with age. Crystal: Great condition. Dial: Blue sunburst dial in excellent condition with intact gold markers. There is some fading in the bottom left corner. Hands: Original hands in clean condition with minimal aging. Strap: Brown alligator strap with light wear. Buckle/Clasp: Patek 18k yellow gold buckle with light wear.
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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