| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU18619 | |
| Stock # | 18619 | |
| Model Name | Ellipse | |
| Brand | ||
| Model Ref # | 3603 | |
| Condition | Mint+ | |
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Quartz | |
| Case | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Case Shape | Cushion | |
| Case Size | 33.5 mm x 37.5 mm | |
| Crystal | ||
| Band / Strap | Strap | |
| Dial | Other | |
| Caseback | Solid | |
| Complications |
Date |
|
| Year | 1970's | |
| Additional Information | Rare Patek Philippe Ellipse ref. 3603 in 18k yellow gold with radiant bronze sateen dial. | |
| Sold | ||
Description
The Patek Philippe Beta 21 movement was actually the fruit of a collaborative effort spanning from 1962 through 1969, which was sponsored by over 20 leading Swiss watch brands, and named the Centre Electronique Horloger. The resulting movement was introduced at the 1970 Basel Fair, and was put into watches by various brands.
The Beta 21 is really more an electronic caliber, but be that as it may, the movement features a quartz crystal and interestingly, the natural oscillation rate of the quartz crystal is 8192 Hz, which Patek reduced to 256 Hz by means of a proprietary frequency reducer. Be that as it may, the seconds hand sweeps (versus the usual ticking of quartz movements), and the caliber has 13 jewels. A date is provided at the 6 o’clock position.
The case is a joy to behold, and a bonafide 1970s iconic design. Rectangular in shape, the 18k gold case measures 37.5mm long by 33mm wide by 11.1mm thick. The crystal is sapphire. Note that the case design is free of lugs, and the strap mounts inside the case.
The original, untouched and beautiful brown dial features subtle radial sunburst brushing and applied golden hour markers and date window, which is traced in gold, at 6 o’clock. And ahh, yes, the golden dauphine hands are original and absolutely spectacular.
The brown dial is very unusual, as the reference 3603 almost exclusively is observed with a blue color dial.
Strap is a black vintage Patek crocodile with vintage oblong 18k Patek tang style buckle.
We really love this rare watch, and have kept it in our private reserve collection since acquiring it several years ago. Now it’s time to become a prized timepiece in another collection.
The Beta 21 is really more an electronic caliber, but be that as it may, the movement features a quartz crystal and interestingly, the natural oscillation rate of the quartz crystal is 8192 Hz, which Patek reduced to 256 Hz by means of a proprietary frequency reducer. Be that as it may, the seconds hand sweeps (versus the usual ticking of quartz movements), and the caliber has 13 jewels. A date is provided at the 6 o’clock position.
The case is a joy to behold, and a bonafide 1970s iconic design. Rectangular in shape, the 18k gold case measures 37.5mm long by 33mm wide by 11.1mm thick. The crystal is sapphire. Note that the case design is free of lugs, and the strap mounts inside the case.
The original, untouched and beautiful brown dial features subtle radial sunburst brushing and applied golden hour markers and date window, which is traced in gold, at 6 o’clock. And ahh, yes, the golden dauphine hands are original and absolutely spectacular.
The brown dial is very unusual, as the reference 3603 almost exclusively is observed with a blue color dial.
Strap is a black vintage Patek crocodile with vintage oblong 18k Patek tang style buckle.
We really love this rare watch, and have kept it in our private reserve collection since acquiring it several years ago. Now it’s time to become a prized timepiece in another collection.
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