Created for the firm’s 50th anniversary of the Golden Ellipse release, the Ref. 5738/50P-001 is an exemplary display of Patek Philippe’s heritage, as well as their haute artisanal craftsmanship as shown on the breathtaking black Grand Feu enamel dial.

Representing 50 years of heritage and production, the Ellipse model line is one of the longest running model lines offered by Patek Philippe, first coming to market in 1968.

The dial is a gold plate engraved, then adorned with Grand Feu black enamel and finished using a technique known as Champleve. Grand Feu, translated as “Big Fire”, describes the high temperature these dials are subject to. The “champleve technique refers to the beautiful marriage between enameling and engraving, to produce a dial that creates a more textured 3D border.

The solid platinum caseback is engraved with the commemorative inscription “Ellipse d’or 1968-2010”. The crown is polished cabochon shaped onyx. The present lot is further accompanied with white gold cufflinks, reminiscent and directly inspired by the Grand Feu enamel design as well as the iconic case shape of the Ellipse. The gold portions of the dial are engraved with the arabesques and volutes decoration, popularized in 9th century Islamic art and European Art from the Renaissance.