
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3546G Silver sigma dial in 18k white gold, early 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- early 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k white gold
- Dimensions
- Case 27 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3379
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3379)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3546G Silver sigma dial in 18k white gold (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3379), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated early 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k white gold. 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 — Bulang & Sons
The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse broke the mold for dress watches when it debuted in the late 1960s. Its shape was revolutionary—but not for the sake of being different. Inspired by the timeless beauty of the golden ratio, it offered a refined balance between round and rectangular forms, setting it apart from traditional watchmaking norms. Rather than chasing trends, Patek carved its own path—creating a design that was both distinctive and enduring. More than 50 years later, the Golden Ellipse remains one of the brand’s most iconic collections, second only to the legendary Calatrava. Here we have something special: the rarely seen reference 3546. This version boldly steps outside the usual Golden Ellipse formula by introducing lugs to the case design—a quiet twist on a timeless classic. The white gold case measures 32 x 27 mm and features a snapback and a small winding crown adorned with the iconic Calatrava cross. This example is fitted with a unique silver dial that has an almost “hammerite” texture, complete with sigma markings, painted black Roman numerals, and elegant black stick hands. The watch is paired with a refined Bulang and Sons leather strap and comes with an original 18k white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle. Powering this understated piece is the hand-wound Caliber 23-300, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. We’ve always loved how the Ellipse line reflects Patek’s creative side—more than just watches, it became a full design language, extending into objects like lighters, desk clocks, and even jewelry. It’s a subtle statement, full of character. Looking for something a little off the beaten path? This one might be it—drop us a line to chat more. Specifications: Patek Philippe Reference 3546 Golden Ellipse 18K white gold case 32 x 27 mm case size (measured without the lugs) Silver no lume Sigma dial with black hands Caliber 23-300 hand-wound movement Movement no 115xxxx case no 269xxxx dating to the early 1970s Bulang and sons leather strap with a 18 k white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle fitted Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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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