# The Golden Ellipse (DD-348)

> Patek Philippe introduced the Golden Ellipse watch in 1968, with a case shaped between an oval and a rectangle based on the golden ratio. The Reel describes making its bracelet: designers sketch it to suit the case, prototypes test fit, precious metal is cut into strips and formed into links, and the links are assembled so the bracelet flexes on the wrist. The footage shows metal links being shaped and assembled.

- Department: Tech
- First published: 2024-10-19
- Last updated: 2024-10-19
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-golden-ellipse/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1968**: Patek Philippe launches the Golden Ellipse

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=the-golden-ellipse

## Quick facts

- **DD-348-F01**: The Golden Ellipse dates to 1968. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Launch))_
- **DD-348-F02**: Its proportions follow the golden ratio. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Shape))_

## Write-up

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse dates to 1968. Its bracelet is built from many hand-assembled links.

1. **Launch**: The Golden Ellipse dates to 1968.
2. **Shape**: Its proportions follow the golden ratio.
3. **Metals**: Gold or platinum.
4. **Links**: Metal is cut into strips for links.
5. **Fit**: Prototypes test comfort.

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: The Golden Ellipse: The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Dates to 1968

- Duration: 32.2 s · Published: 2024-10-19
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DBUQ3EOplDn.mp4

### Transcript

Fabrication of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse bracelet is a meticulous process that begins with a careful selection of high-quality materials such as gold or platinum, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Designers create intricate designs [...] compliments the unique elongated oval shape of the watch. Prototypes are often produced to test for fit and comfort before moving to the next stage. The chosen metal is then cut and shaped into strips using specialized machinery or hand tools to form the individual links of the bracelet. These links are assembled with precision to allow flexibility and comfort on the wrist. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who makes the Golden Ellipse?**  
A: Swiss maker. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Launch) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe)_

**Q: When was it launched?**  
A: Late 1960s. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Shape) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe)_

**Q: What ratio shapes it?**  
A: Proportions. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Metals) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe)_

**Q: What forms the links?**  
A: Cut and shaped. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Links) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe)_

**Q: Why prototypes?**  
A: Comfort. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Fit) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Patek Philippe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patek_Philippe)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The Golden Ellipse." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-348, last updated Oct 19, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-golden-ellipse/