Since 1839, Patek Philippe has focused on showcasing the most complicated wristwatches, which embody an individual and distinguished elegance. First seen in 1968 the golden ellipse family quickly developed a cult status amongst gentleman and ladies with the tactical and striking shaped cases being inspired by the ancient principle of the 'Golden Section'. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II owned a blue dial Golden Ellipse model that can be seen worn in a 1984 portrait by the photographer Yousuf Karsh. Today’s equivalent of this Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse is reference 5738/1R-001 which will set you back a staggering £51,470 GBP…
The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 4225, a model from the iconic Ellipse collection. On offer is a wonderful Manual wind Ladies 18 carat yellow Gold Patek Philippe bracelet watch from horology’s most important name. This beautiful time piece was purchased new from authorised dealer Mappin & Webb London and is a full set accompanied with original Mappin & Webb retailers box, original Mappin & Webb purchase receipt dated 26th of March 1980, original Patek Philippe guarantee certificate dated 26th of March 1980 issued by Mappin & Webb, Patek Philippe Worldwide service centres booklet, original Patek Philippe manual. The watch had a list price of £2085 after discount the wealthy purchaser paid a handsome £1877, interestingly this amount would of afforded a terrace house on a deprived street in the U.K during this Thatcher period. The bracelet will fit a large ladies wrist size 6.75 inches in circumference maximum equally can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or worn loosely. The watch has benefited from a full service by a Swiss specialist master horologist, keeping accurate time and in superb running order. Ready to treasure and enjoy, would make a fabulous heirloom! (Gross weight 76 grams).
Reference 4225 marks a significant milestone. Crafted with links arranged in delicate rows reminiscent of chain bracelets, beautifully glides on your wrist in pure style and comfort.. This yellow gold chain-style bracelet, featuring an engraved logo clasp, the Golden Ellipse watch gained prominence. The sunburst midnight blue dial is adorned with raised gold arrow -type hour-markers and slender cheveu-type hands in yellow gold, embodying a timeless and minimalist aesthetic that encapsulates the essence of the Golden Ellipse.
The Patek Philippe 4225 ladies' watch from the Ellipse collection, which is known for its distinctive oval shape. The 4225 specifically is an 18k gold watch with a manual winding movement. It's a classic, elegant piece, often with a minimalist dial design. The Ellipse collection, including the 4225, is a departure from Patek Philippe's more traditional round watches, and the unique shape has made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
A practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, on a regular basis, as you so wish.
The Original Dial: Signed Patek Philippe Geneve O Swiss O. Unique midnight blue sunburst dial. Has lovely patina. Carries raised concave gold arrow markers with gold gilt hour and minute ‘cheveu’ style hands which are in very good condition for the age. Dial has micro marks all over commensurate with age and wear not noticeable to the naked eye only under magnification. Please observe photographs.
Original Crystal: Good condition
Original Movement: The Patek Philippe Caliber 16-250. This is a mechanical manual-winding movement, has 18 jewels and a power reserve of about 38 hours, and it operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, which is common in high-end mechanical watches.
Interestingly, the Caliber 16-250 is Patek Philippe's smallest movement, designed specifically for their more petite timepieces. This level of attention to detail and specialization is part of what sets Patek Philippe apart in the world of horology. Patek went to considerable trouble and expense to ensure its small Calibre series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents movements, and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently accurate. This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and it is no exaggeration – The high grade Calibre 16 - 250 , 18 jewel hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has been fully overhauled and serviced by a Swiss specialist Master Horologist watchmaker. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with similar care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, one can expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come!
Original Case: The oval case is of a very solid two-piece unique design with a wonderful plain bezel to improve water and dust resistance. Solid 18 carat yellow Gold case measures 25mm excluding the crown and sits a generous 30mm in height , bearing Swiss essay marks. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Overall in good condition.
Case Back Cover Outer: The press fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit and is of full thickness, having never been inscribed. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Please see photo. Overall good condition.
Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back is signed ‘Patek Philippe Geneve 18K 0750 27**** 4225 - 1. Bearing Swiss essay marks - Good condition.
The Original Crown/Winder: The original crown is signed with the Patek Philippe logo. In good functioning order.
The Original Patek Philippe Bracelet: Signed Patek Philippe bearing essay marks. Chain link Milanese 18 carat bracelet is in good condition bearing the Patek Philippe logo on the deployable clasp and is of original full length. This is adjusted using the -step ladder locking catch. The bracelet has simply been cleaned and lightly hand polished to bring it back to the condition you see here. This watch and bracelet will fit a large ladies wrist size 6.75 inches in circumference maximum equally can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or worn loosely. Very light signs of use, in good condition.
Original Presentation Box: Signed Mappin & Webb - Box is in average condition for the age with light signs of wear.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Patek is 44 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Additional Information;
Patek Philippe - a name synonymous with luxury and prestige in the world of haute horlogerie!
Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest and most respected Swiss watchmakers. Their timepieces are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, precision engineering, and timeless designs.
Patek Philippe has created some of the most complicated watches ever made, and many of their models hold auction records for the highest prices ever paid for a wristwatch. They are also known for their famous slogan: "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation."
The list of royals who have worn or owned Patek Philippe watches is quite impressive. Here are a few examples:
- Queen Elizabeth II: The late queen was a collector of Patek Philippe watches and was often seen wearing a Golden Ellipse model.
- King Christian IX of Denmark: He was a known patron of Patek Philippe and owned several of their watches.
- Prince Albert and Queen Victoria: They were also fans of Patek Philippe and owned several watches from the brand.
- Princess Michael of Kent: She has been spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch.
- King Farouk of Egypt: He was known to have owned several Patek Philippe watches, including some one-of-a-kind pieces.
This is just a small sampling of the royal clientele that Patek Philippe has had over the years. It's no wonder they're often referred to as the "watchmaker of kings!"