Replica Patek Philippe Ellipse Watch 3738R

The Golden Ellipse stands as one of the most enduring and distinctive shapes to emerge from the 1970s—a period marked by both the glamour of the Jet Set and global unrest. Among its many iterations, the reference 3738 may represent the pinnacle of this design language. Produced from 1984 through approximately 2009, this reference enjoyed a notably long lifespan across four main series. All featured the ultra-thin calibre 240 movement with a micro-rotor, distinguished by its Geneva Seal—an emblem of mechanical beauty in a time-only configuration.

The origins of the Golden Ellipse remain something of a mystery. While many attribute the design to the legendary Gérald Genta, he himself claimed it was a creation of Replica Patek Philippe in collaboration with Jean-Daniel Rubeli, head of the brand’s R&D. Yet, in a twist of humility or contradiction, Rubeli later admitted that he would never have conceptualized the design without Genta’s influence. Another theory credits Georges Delessert, then-head of Patek’s electronics division, who may have drawn inspiration from aerial views of American highway junctions. Regardless of the true origin, both Genta and Rubeli acknowledged that the shape or a close cousin was initially intended for Audemars Piguet. Where AP experimented with the form, Patek Philippe committed to mathematical precision, shaping it according to the Golden Ratio.

What truly set Patek apart wasn’t just geometry—it was metallurgy. They developed proprietary 18k blue and brown gold alloys, achieved through a collaboration with Singer. This process involved vacuum plating, where cobalt and gold were vaporized and condensed, giving the Golden Ellipse its name beyond just its proportions. The model evolved far beyond its initial format, expanding into integrated bracelets, skeleton dials, and stone dial variations like lapis. There were even extravagant commissions, such as a custom model for Saddam Hussein featuring his signature on the dial. The Ellipse design eventually inspired lighters, cufflinks, and other luxury accessories, becoming a true design institution.

This particular ref. 3738 example from 2008 is part of the final, fourth series. It features a warm pink gold case and a rich brown dial with domed hour markers—a symphony of color and restraint. The “Swiss” signature confirms its period, and its condition is remarkably well-preserved, showing only minimal signs of wear. Complete with its original box and papers, this piece comes from a respected Genevan source. For collectors of replica watches with historical soul and stylistic purity, this is a quiet masterpiece that speaks volumes.