Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Ellipse

Patek Philippe Ellipse Reference 3938/1J

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Ellipse, designated as reference 3938/1J, is a timepiece constructed from solid 18k yellow gold. The watch features the characteristic oval case shape associated with the Ellipse line, which was introduced by Patek Philippe in 1968. Measuring 35mm in diameter, the watch is equipped with a blue dial. This dial includes applied yellow gold hour indices and a handset crafted from yellow gold to match the case. The watch is completed with a woven yellow gold bracelet and a signed crown. The dial bears the designation "sigma" in its marking, as denoted by the symbols flanking the "SWISS" signature at the six o'clock position. The timepiece reflects the aesthetic of the Ellipse series, distinct from other catalog offerings such as the squarish "TV" cases introduced by the manufacturer in the early 1970s.

The Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 3938/1J, showing the oval yellow gold case, blue sigma dial, and woven gold bracelet.
The Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 3938/1J, showing the oval yellow gold case, blue sigma dial, and woven gold bracelet. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Ellipse
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3938/1J
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established

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

The Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 3938/1J is housed in a solid 18k yellow gold case measuring 35mm in diameter. The design adheres to the characteristic oval silhouette that defines the Ellipse line, which the manufacturer introduced in 1968. The watch is secured to the wrist via an integrated woven bracelet, also manufactured from solid yellow gold.

The construction of the bracelet features a woven pattern. The manufacturer notes that the design of this bracelet may require custom work for sizing alterations, with a lead time between four and six weeks for such adjustments once measurements are established.

Evidence for this section
  • “Finished in solid 18k yellow gold, this svelte piece comes in at 35mm in diameter”
  • “fantastic woven bracelet finished in solid yellow gold”
  • “Due to the design of this bracelet, sizing alterations may require custom work.”

Dial and Hands

The dial of this timepiece is finished in a blue colorway. It is appointed with applied indices manufactured in yellow gold, which correspond to the material of the case. The handset consists of yellow gold hands designed to match the applied indices.

The dial is signed with the manufacturer's name and "GENEVE" in the upper half. At the bottom of the dial, flanking the "SWISS" marking, are symbols indicating a "sigma" dial configuration. The crown is signed with the Patek Philippe emblem.

Evidence for this section
  • “features a lovely blue 'sigma' dial with applied yellow gold indices and a matching handset”
  • “a signed crown”

Manufacturer Context

The watch belongs to the Ellipse series, which Patek Philippe launched in 1968. This product line is noted for its oval shape, which diverged from the manufacturer's other designs of the period.

The manufacturer later expanded the Ellipse range in the early 1970s to include variations with squarish cases, colloquially referred to as "TV Cases" or "Jumbo" models by enthusiasts. The reference 3938/1J remains a distinct entry within this broader collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “In 1968, Patek Philippe released the Golden Ellipse.”
  • “the Ellipse—with its distinctive oval shape—was unlike anything else in Patek Philippe’s catalogs.”
  • “Patek expanded the Ellipse line to include squarish case shapes - immediately dubbed "TV Cases" or "Jumbo" by enthusiasts.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical movement caliber housed within reference 3938/1J?
  • What is the production date range for the reference 3938/1J model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ellipse Reference 3938/1J
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference3938/1J“Reference 3938/1J”
Material18k yellow gold“Finished in solid 18k yellow gold”
Diameter35mm“comes in at 35mm in diameter”
DialBlue with sigma indices“lovely blue 'sigma' dial with applied yellow gold indices”
BraceletWoven yellow gold“fantastic woven bracelet finished in solid yellow gold”
OriginPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe released the Golden Ellipse”

Visible details

  • Blue dial with sigma markings
  • Solid 18k yellow gold case and bracelet
  • Woven bracelet construction
  • Signed crown

Research qualifications

  • Specific production date is not provided in source
  • The original movement type is not specified

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

Consulted source

ساعت Patek Philippe Ellipse رفرنس 3938/1J

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7ba2f855d1

Terms in this record

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