Patek Philippe Ellipse d'Or Reference 3848
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1990
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe Ellipse d'Or, reference 3848, is an 18K yellow gold wristwatch produced circa 1990. The timepiece features an oval three-body case measuring 27 by 32 millimeters with a thickness of 5.5 millimeters, characterized by its concealed lugs and a sapphire crystal.
The satiné blue dial displays applied yellow gold baton indexes accompanied by matching yellow gold baton hands. Power is provided by the manual-wind Caliber 215 movement, which is rhodium-plated, features fausses cotes decoration, and is stamped with the Seal of Geneva Quality Mark. The movement includes 18 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions.
The watch is presented with a fitted box, a certificate of origin, and service documentation from May 2009. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Manual-wind wristwatch
- Movement
- Cal. 215
- Reference
- 3848
- Dimensions
- 27 x 32 mm
- Escapement
- Straight-line lever
- Case Number
- 2840765
- Case Material
- 18K Yellow Gold
- Certification
- Seal of Geneva
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 1336549
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
- Included Accessories
- Fitted box, certificate of origin, service paper
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features polished and brushed surfaces • Dial has applied gold baton indexes • Case utilizes concealed lugs • Movement includes shock absorber system
- Case and Dial Design
- The three-body construction is crafted from 18K yellow gold and incorporates both polished and brushed finishes to add textural contrast. A key design element is the use of concealed lugs, which allows the leather strap to integrate seamlessly beneath the case, emphasizing the geometric silhouette of the watch. The dial is rendered in a satiné blue finish, providing a striking contrast against the yellow gold case. The minimalist aesthetic is maintained through the application of simple, slender yellow gold baton indexes and matching baton-style hands. The dial, which is protected by a sapphire crystal, is signed by Patek Philippe and includes a 'SWISS' marking at the bottom edge. The case is noted for its slim profile, measuring only 5.5 millimeters in thickness, which is a hallmark of the Ellipse series. All elements of the case, including the crown and the integrated strap connection, are designed to maintain the clean, rounded lines of the oval form.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object is accompanied by several original documents and accessories that support its history. These include a fitted box and a certificate of origin. Furthermore, the records provided for this lot include a service paper dated May 2009, which serves as a point of reference for the watch’s maintenance history. The auction description reports the watch to be in good condition, assigning a grade of 'AA' with specific sub-grades for the case, movement, and dial. The watch has been thoroughly inspected, and all three primary components—the dial, the case, and the movement—are documented as being signed by the manufacturer, confirming their original status.
- Movement and Mechanical Specifications
- The watch is powered by the Caliber 215, a manual-wind movement renowned for its thin profile and reliability. The movement is finished with rhodium plating and features traditional fausses cotes decoration on the bridges. It operates with 18 jewels and is equipped with a straight-line lever escapement. The balance is adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions to ensure stability. Additionally, the movement includes a shock absorber and a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring, which further contributes to its chronological consistency.
Identification
- Reference
- 3848
- Serial number
- 2840765
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement performance is not verified beyond the auction house grading
- Research required: The service history outside of the cited 2009 document is unconfirmed