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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Oval automatic wristwatch

Patek Philippe 18K white gold Ellipse wristwatch, reference 5028

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 5028 is an 18K white gold automatic wristwatch manufactured in 1997. Source documentation notes an Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1997 and its sale on December 16, 1997. The oval case measures 31 mm wide and 35.5 mm in overall length, featuring hidden lugs and a snap-on back. The matte black dial displays white Arabic numerals, white hands, an inner railway minute track, and an eccentric subsidiary seconds dial near 4 o'clock. The source records it as powered by the 27-jewel caliber 240PS automatic movement with a 22K gold micro-rotor.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 5028 in 18K white gold with black dial
Front view of the Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 5028 in 18K white gold with black dial — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.christies.com
Category
Wristwatch · Oval automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
5028
Catalogue / lot identifier
44
Source-reported date
1997
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1'964'113

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Form and External Construction

The timepiece features an 18K white gold Ellipse case executed in an oval geometry. Auction cataloguing describes the housing as a large oval case with hidden lugs, measuring 31 mm in width and 35.5 mm in overall length, closed by a snap-on back.

Visual inspection confirms the polished oval white gold bezel and case body, flanked by a fluted winding crown positioned at 3 o'clock and attached to a black textured strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “large oval case, hidden lugs, snap on back”
  • “Polished oval white gold bezel and case fitted with hidden lugs and an alligator or crocodile patterned black strap.”

Dial Configuration and Display

The dial is described in auction documentation as having a black matte finish with white Arabic numerals and an inner railway minute divisions track. An eccentric subsidiary seconds display is located toward 4 o'clock, accompanied by white hands.

Direct observation reveals an inner oval railroad minute track following the interior contour of the case, white Arabic numerals, dial signatures reading 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE' below the 12 o'clock position, and 'SWISS' located directly beneath 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “black matte dial, white Arabic numerals, white hands, eccentric subsidiary seconds to 4 o'clock, inner railway minute divisions”
  • “Dial signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE' below 12 o'clock and 'SWISS' below 6 o'clock.”

Reported Movement and Archival Documentation

According to the cataloguing description, the watch is powered by a Cal. 240PS automatic movement bearing movement number 1'964'113, engineered with 27 jewels and a 22K gold micro-rotor. The case is catalogued under number 4'027'397, and the lot includes an 18K white gold Patek Philippe oval buckle.

The cataloguer notes an accompanying Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the watch in 1997 with a black dial and 11 white Arabic numerals, followed by its sale on 16 December 1997. Because internal components and the buckle are not visible in the provided lot photography, movement caliber details and archive documentation remain based entirely on source reporting.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 240PS automatic movement, 27 jewels, 22K gold micro-rotor”
  • “18K white gold Patek Philippe oval buckle”
  • “With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial and 11 white Arabic numerals in 1997 and its subsequent sale on 16 December 1997.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and maker stamps are struck on the interior of case back 4'027'397?
  • Does the caliber 240PS movement display the Geneva Seal or specific adjustment markings upon physical inspection?
  • Is the accompanying 18K white gold oval buckle stamped with standard Patek Philippe reference markings and gold purity hallmarks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 18K white gold Ellipse wristwatch, reference 5028
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference5028“REF. 5028”
Movement number1'964'113“MOVEMENT NO. 1'964'113”
Case number4'027'397“CASE NO. 4'027'397”
CalibreCal. 240PS automatic“Cal. 240PS automatic movement, 27 jewels, 22K gold micro-rotor”
Dimensions31 mm. wide & 35.5 mm. overall length“31 mm. wide & 35.5 mm. overall length”
Manufacture Date1997“MANUFACTURED IN 1997”
Buckle18K white gold Patek Philippe oval buckle“18K white gold Patek Philippe oval buckle”
Archive Sale Date16 December 1997“its subsequent sale on 16 December 1997”
Case ConstructionSnap-on back with hidden lugs“hidden lugs, snap on back”

Visible details

  • Matte black oval dial with white Arabic numerals and an inner oval railroad minute track.
  • Eccentric subsidiary seconds register situated between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions.
  • Polished oval white gold bezel and case fitted with hidden lugs and an alligator or crocodile patterned black strap.
  • White baton hour and minute hands matched with a fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock.
  • Dial signed 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE' below 12 o'clock and 'SWISS' below 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement, inner case back, and buckle are not visible in the provided lot image.
  • Movement specifications and archive details rely entirely on source reporting.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Patek Philippe. An 18K white gold oval automatic wristwatch with black dial and eccentric subsidiary seconds, SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, ELLIPSE MODEL, REF. 5028, MOVEMENT NO. 1'964'113, CASE NO. 4'027'397, MANUFACTURED IN 1997 | Christie's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a68cbd2b10

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.