Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Ellipse (Ref. 3634J) 18K YG Onyx Dial, 1977
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1977
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- PP3634JONX
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PP3634JONX)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1977 Patek Philippe Ellipse (Ref. 3634J) 18K YG Onyx Dial With Box and Archive (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PP3634JONX), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1977. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Craft & Tailored
There is the saying that “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” and we think this couldn't be truer especially with Patek Philippe references such as this rare and sought-after Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3634 with its gorgeous onyx dial. This particular Patek Philippe Ellipse is in what we would consider "time capsule" condition. The unpolished case is mint and has a light rosiness. The original strap remains practically unworn and retains its original buckle, additionally, this watch comes with its original Patek clamshell style box, hangtag and includes an Extract from the Patek Archives. One of the most impressive features of this watch is the ultrathin Cal. 28-255 automatic movement, which is a remarkable display of extremely fine compact watchmaking. This Patek is classic and timeless, this would be a great addition to a collection lacking a formal dress watch. This timepiece would pair great with a tuxedo or suit as it would fit perfectly under the coat sleeve and is simple yet ultimately refined. Stock # PP3634JONX Brand Patek Philippe Style Ellipse Model 3634J Serial 1.2XX.XXX/53X.XXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Onyx Black Millimeters 33X38 Bracelet 2pc Patek Philippe Crocodile Leather Strap with Patek Philippe 18K YG Buckle CASE & BRACELET The unpolished 18K yellow gold case is in mint condition exhibiting a subtle rosy patina that is only achieved on gold watches that have never been polished. The case retains its original crown. The original Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap is practically unworn and the original Patek buckle has taken on a light rosy coloration similar to the case. DIAL & HANDS The original onyx dial is flawless. The original dauphine hands are in excellent condition showing a light rosy patina that matches the case. ACCESSORIES The watch comes complete with an Extract From The Archive, original Patek Philippe clamshell box, and serialized hangtag. The watch is keeping time and running flawlessly but extended service history is unknown.
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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