Swiss 18K white gold and diamond set watch with chain Circa 1976

White gold pendant watch
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A very fine Swiss 18 carat white gold and diamond set open faced pocket watch with matching chain, the Ellipse Joaillerie pendant, made by Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1976. The lever movement with 18 jewels. Lapis lazuli dial with dauphine hands. The case is elaborately set with diamonds on the front and has a brushed snap on back. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered. Accompanied by the original presentation box, original Patek Philippe retailers hang tag, and an 18 carat white gold chain set with diamonds.
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Dimensions: 49 x 39 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève Swiss
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The present pendant watch has a hard stone dial of vivid blue lapis lazuli with no hour or minute marker, the Patek Philippe Genève signature above the hands and reads Swiss at 6 o’clock. The case is constructed from 18 carat white gold and is set with approximately 4.18 ct. of diamonds. This timepiece is further accompanied by a white gold chain with diamond set clips at either end and is stamped by its maker, Gay Frères.
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In 1968, the Golden Ellipse emerged as a daring deviation from conventional designs. The name Golden Ellipse refers to the ‘golden ratio’, a principle unearthed by ancient Greek mathematicians, which underpins the proportions of history’s most magnificent art and architecture. This proportion is believed to be ‘De Divina Proportione’ (of divine proportion), a ratio from 1 to 1.6181 that is the perfect point at which to divide a line into two harmonious if unequal lengths. This was the basis for the design of the Ellipse and explains why it has remained a popular line for Patek Philippe for over 50 years. The brand has used this design for an extended repertoire of pieces beyond the initial line of wristwatches which includes key fobs, rings, lighters, money clips and in this case a spectacular pendant watch.
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Reference 879 was in the Patek Philippe general catalog in 1976. The watch retains two reference numbers, the first for the watch as a whole and a second in the watches case back on the watch head, a corresponding Golden Ellipse reference number, Reference 3500.