The Golden Ellipse
Short answer: 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.
What should you know about The Golden Ellipse?
Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.
The Golden Ellipse dates to 1968.
Its proportions follow the golden ratio.
Video transcript: The Golden Ellipse: The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Dates to 1968
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!
Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 32.2s Reel ·
The write-up
The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse dates to 1968. Its bracelet is built from many hand-assembled links.
- Exhibit A
Launch
The Golden Ellipse dates to 1968.
- Exhibit B
Shape
Its proportions follow the golden ratio.
- Exhibit C
Metals
Gold or platinum.
- Exhibit D
Links
Metal is cut into strips for links.
- Exhibit E
Fit
Prototypes test comfort.
Questions people ask about The Golden Ellipse
Who makes the Golden Ellipse?
Swiss maker.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Launch) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
When was it launched?
Late 1960s.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Shape) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
What ratio shapes it?
Proportions.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Metals) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
What forms the links?
Cut and shaped.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Links) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
Why prototypes?
Comfort.
Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Fit) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
Test Your Knowledge
All quizzes →5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.
Who makes the Golden Ellipse?
- Patek Philippe
- Rolex
- Casio
- Timex
Show the answer
Answer: A. Patek Philippe Swiss maker. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Launch) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
When was it launched?
- 1968
- 1908
- 1999
- 2015
Show the answer
Answer: A. 1968 Late 1960s. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Shape) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
What ratio shapes it?
- The golden ratio
- Pi
- 1 to 1
- 3 to 1
Show the answer
Answer: A. The golden ratio Proportions. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Metals) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
What forms the links?
- Metal strips
- Plastic
- Leather
- Glass
Show the answer
Answer: A. Metal strips Cut and shaped. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Links) · Wikipedia: Patek Philippe
Why prototypes?
- To test fit
- For sale
- For museums
- No reason
Show the answer
Answer: A. To test fit Comfort. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Fit) · Wikipedia: 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/
Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-golden-ellipse/ · Last updated
Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-348-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-golden-ellipse/#DD-348-F01