Event image
Event image
Event image
Event image

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3598 - Blue ‘Sigma’ Dial - 18K Yellow Gold and Buckle

Rating: mB
Reserve: No
Lot: 2026G0548
Sold For
XX,xxx € loader
hourglass Ended
on Tue 07/28/2026 at 2:27 PM (UTC)
visibility Sign in to view the final sale price.
Log in

Description

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3598 - Blue ‘Sigma’ Dial - 18K Yellow Gold and Buckle

The golden section, as defined by Euclid in The Elements, is a fascinating mathematical ratio (≈1.618) that appears throughout nature, art, and geometry, and has long been associated with beauty, balance, and harmony. Some believe that this timeless proportion inspired Jean-Daniel Rubeli, then Patek Philippe’s in-house stylist, in the creation of the iconic Golden Ellipse. Others favor the account of Jean-Pierre Frattini, a young casemaker at the time, who recalled that Georges Delessert — then head of Patek Philippe’s electronics division — was inspired by the elegant curve of an American highway junction seen from an airplane window.

Whatever its true origin, the Golden Ellipse was introduced in 1968, during a challenging period for Swiss watchmaking, with the quartz crisis looming on the horizon. Despite the uncertain environment, the model achieved immediate success. Elegant, unisex, and unlike any other Patek Philippe creation, it distinguished itself from traditional designs such as the Calatrava while remaining unmistakably part of the Maison’s aesthetic language.

The Golden Ellipse quickly became a symbol of refined and understated elegance. Beyond its distinctive elliptical case, the model is particularly celebrated for its extraordinary blue gold dial. What initially appears to be a sophisticated sunburst finish is, in fact, the result of an innovative process developed by dial maker Singer. After early attempts at plating proved inconsistent, a breakthrough was achieved through the vacuum-plating of cobalt and 24K gold onto an 18K gold base — a technique so innovative that it attracted the attention of Switzerland’s precious metals bureau due to its originality and technical complexity.

This example, reference 3598, is a particularly fascinating member of the Ellipse family. It interprets the classic design language described above — the warm yellow gold case paired with the distinctive blue dial — while masterfully exploring more sculptural curves and a more pronounced architectural character in the case design.

The present watch has been preserved in good condition. Of particular interest, the dial is signed at 6 o’clock with the 'Sigma dot Swiss dot Sigma' designation, a characteristic signature of the period indicating the use of precious metals and adding further historical significance. It is completed by the iconic 18K oval buckle, a distinctive feature of the family that elegantly secures the watch on the wrist.


Less widely known within the collection, yet very scarce, this reference represents one of the more intriguing and captivating interpretations of the Ellipse design. 

Buyer protections

  • Payments and personal data will be handled confidentially.
  • All watches undergo rigorous quality checks by experts.

Details

BRAND Patek Philippe
MODEL Golden Ellipse
REFERENCE 3598
CASE SIZE 27 x 32mm
CASE MATERIAL 18k Yellow Gold
STRAP/BRACELET MATERIAL Blue Crocodile
GLASS Crystal Sapphire
MOVEMENT Mechanical Manual Winding
DIAL Blue Soleil, 'Sigma dot Swiss dot Sigma'
BEZEL 18k Yellow Gold
CLASP/BUCKLE PP 18K YG Ardillon
SET nd
Chronocomparator

Chronocomparator

This watch is used and has not been serviced or cleaned by us. If you wish to request this service, please make an express request. The measurement of the functioning of the watch on the chronocomparator is provided as a courtesy and with the aim of giving users as much information as possible.