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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3875/1

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe 'Ellipse' quartz wristwatch, reference 3875/1, is an 18K white gold timepiece manufactured in 1981 and sold on October 15, 1982. The watch is distinguished by its ellipse-shaped case, which features a bezel set with diamonds totaling approximately 0.39 carats. The dial is finished in a satine blue and is accented with applied brilliant-cut diamond indexes, complemented by white gold baton hands. The watch is fitted with an integrated woven bracelet crafted from 18K white gold. It is powered by the Caliber E27 movement, which incorporates quartz standardization and contains 6 jewels. The dial, case, and movement all bear the manufacturer's signature, and the piece was retailed by Gübelin. Measuring 31 x 35 mm with a thickness of 6 mm, the watch reflects the distinct design language associated with the Ellipse collection of the era.

The Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3875/1 with satine blue dial and integrated woven white gold bracelet.
The Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3875/1 with satine blue dial and integrated woven white gold bracelet. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3875/1
Catalogue / lot identifier
174
Source-reported date
1981
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1504822 (movement), 555702 (case)

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 and Bracelet Construction

The timepiece features a two-body, 18K white gold case designed in the Ellipse form. The exterior is finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, providing textural contrast. The bezel is embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, which the auction description reports to be approximately 0.39 carats in total. The watch is completed with an integrated woven bracelet, also executed in 18K white gold, creating a unified appearance between the case and the strap. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the case back is a snap-on type.

The physical proportions of the watch are defined by the 31 x 35 mm dimensions of the case, with a slim profile measuring 6 mm in thickness. The overall length of the timepiece, including the integrated bracelet, is approximately 170 mm. The construction emphasizes the Ellipse series' characteristic aesthetic, merging precious metals with diamond accents.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, bezel set with diamonds (approx. 0.39 cts), snap-on case back, sapphire crystal.”
  • “18K white gold Patek Philippe integrated woven bracelet.”

Dial and Movement Details

The dial is presented in a satine blue finish, featuring applied brilliant-cut diamond indexes at the hour positions. The time is displayed via white gold baton-style hands. The dial also features the retailer's name, Gübelin, alongside the manufacturer's name and the 'Quartz' designation.

The watch is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber E27, a movement utilizing quartz standardization. This movement is constructed with 6 jewels. According to the provided grading, the dial is in good condition, while the movement is currently rated as requiring an overhaul to maintain optimal function.

Evidence for this section
  • “Satine blue with applied brilliant-cut diamond indexes.”
  • “Cal. E27, 6 jewels with quartz standardization.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Provenance

The watch is explicitly signed by the manufacturer on the dial, the case, and the movement. Additionally, the dial indicates the involvement of the retailer, Gübelin. The documentation confirms the watch was manufactured in 1981 and records a sale date of October 15, 1982.

The auction description provides specific identification numbers for the movement, 1504822, and the case, 555702, which aid in verifying the individual identity of this specific unit within the reference 3875/1 series.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Made in 1981, sold on October 15th, 1982. Retailed by Gübelin.”
  • “movement No. 1504822, case No. 555702”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance history prior to this auction listing?
  • Are there known service records for the Caliber E27 movement in this serial range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 3875/1
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe, Geneve”
Reference3875/1“Ref. 3875/1”
Movement Number1504822“movement No. 1504822”
Case Number555702“case No. 555702”
Production Year1981“Made in 1981”
RetailerGübelin“Retailed by Gübelin.”
Case Dimensions31 x 35 mm“Dim. 31 x 35 mm.”
Movement CaliberE27“Cal. E27, 6 jewels”

Visible details

  • Satine blue dial with diamond hour markers
  • Integrated woven white gold bracelet
  • Ellipse-shaped case with diamond-set bezel
  • Signed 'Gübelin' on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition is noted as needing an overhaul
  • Exact total diamond weight is estimated at 0.39 carats

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

Consulted source

White Gold and Diamond Ellipse retailed by Gübelin Patek Philippe, Geneve, 'Ellipse, Quartz', movement No. 1504822, case No. 555702, Ref. 3875/1. Made in 1981, sold on October 15th, 1982. Retailed by Gübelin. Very fine, elegant, 18Kwhite gold and diamond quartzwristwatch with an 18K white gold Patek Philippe integrated woven bracelet. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 945bb25088

Terms in this record

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

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