A rare beauty. The Patek Philippe Ellipse 4433/1 carries 69 grams of 18-karat yellow gold in a design where the elaborate gold openwork combined with gemstones gives this watch the richness reminiscent of a Byzantine treasure.
Introduced in 1968, the Golden Ellipse drew its proportions from the golden section, giving the collection its distinctive geometry. Here, the rounded rectangular case is framed by brilliant-cut diamonds, while a polished black onyx surround sets off the diamond-pavé center of the dial. The contrast is striking: black stone, closely set diamonds and the warm color of yellow gold. The onyx gives the diamonds their midnight, and the gold gives them somewhere to shine.
The bracelet is a goldsmith’s garden, its intricate branches threaded with diamonds. A stunning field where textured gold links are worked into an articulated openwork structure, their intersections punctuated by brilliant-cut diamonds and joined by polished oval connectors. Elongated loops carry the bracelet into the shoulders of the case, making the transition from wrist to watch part of the design. Even the folding clasp continues the ornament, finished with the Patek Philippe Calatrava Cross in relief.
The integration of timepiece and jewel has deep roots at Patek Philippe. In 1868, the manufacture created an ornamental wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, now preserved in the Patek Philippe Museum. The Ellipse belongs to that longer history, in which watchmaking and jewellery share the same object.
At 28mm, this manual-wind watch concentrates an extraordinary amount of detail within a small surface. Its achievement lies in the continuity of the work: a gold case, a black heart, and diamonds enough to make time stand still.
Maker: Patek Philippe
Model: Ellipse 4433/1
Year: c. 1980s
Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond and Onyx
Dial: Onyx and Diamond
Case Size: 28mm
Movement: Manual Wind
Weight: 69 Grams
Size: Fits up to 6.5" wrist
Made in Switzerland
Extremely Rare Patek Philippe Model with Open Work Bracelet
All vintage and pre-owned watches sold by Stephanie Windsor are guaranteed to be genuine and authentic. We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical movement for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Our warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse, neglect, water damage or normal wear and tear. Please note that we do not guarantee waterproofing on vintage or pre-owned timepieces. We therefore do not recommend submerging your timepiece in water or any liquid.
