Patek Philippe Ellipse Blue Dial (Ref. 4226J), 1980s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance Few watch designs have aged as gracefully as the Patek Philippe Ellipse. Introduced in 1968, the Ellipse departed from the traditional round dress watch by embracing proportions inspired by the Golden Ratio, creating a shape that feels just as modern today as it did more than fifty years ago. It quickly became one of Patek Philippe's defining collections, offering a quieter expression of luxury than the Calatrava while remaining unmistakably elegant. The reference 4226J represents everything enthusiasts appreciate about vintage Ellipses. The compact 23mm yellow gold case wears with remarkable elegance, while the deep blue sunburst dial provides a beautiful contrast against the warm gold case. As light moves across the dial, the blue shifts from nearly black to a vibrant royal blue, giving the watch far more character than its minimalist layout initially suggests. Small Ellipses have become increasingly collectible as enthusiasts continue to appreciate proportion over size. Their understated presence, paired with exceptional finishing and timeless design, make them one of the purest expressions of Patek Philippe's dress watch philosophy. Writer’s Thoughts There's something incredibly satisfying about a vintage Ellipse. It doesn't rely on complications or bold design to stand out; it simply gets every proportion exactly right. This 4226J is as classic as it gets, and seeing it retain both its original Patek Philippe strap and its matching yellow-gold Ellipse buckle makes it even more special. The blue dial is undoubtedly the highlight, bringing just enough personality to an otherwise wonderfully restrained dress watch. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Patek Philippe Model: Ellipse 4226J Year: Circa 1980s Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Size: 23mm Dial: Blue sunburst Movement: Manual wind Strap/Bracelet: Original Patek Philippe leather strap Buckle/Clasp: Original 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Contents: Watch only Condition Case: The yellow gold case remains in excellent overall condition, with crisp lines, is well-preserved, and shows light signs of careful wear consistent with age. Dial: The original blue sunburst dial is beautifully preserved with rich coloration, crisp printing, and no visible blemishes or discoloration. Hands: Original hands in excellent condition with matching finish and no notable oxidation. Crystal: Clean overall with no signs of wear. The dial presents beautifully beneath the crystal with no distracting imperfections. Strap/Bracelet: Original Patek Philippe leather strap showing light age-related wear while remaining in very nice overall condition. Buckle/Clasp: Original 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle in excellent condition with light signs of careful use.