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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress watch

Patek Philippe Ellipse Reference 4920-2

Partially verified

The Patek Philippe Ellipse, reference 4920-2, is a dress wristwatch featuring an elliptical 18K yellow gold case measuring 32mm in diameter. The case is detailed with a woven rope-style texture surrounding the bezel. It is equipped with a stone dial composed of lapis lazuli, paired with a matching stylized handset and a signed crown. The watch is presented on an integrated 18K yellow gold bracelet featuring a stylized, open-work design and a locking clasp. Power is provided by the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-250 manual-winding movement. The design of the Ellipse series, introduced by Patek Philippe in 1968, utilizes proportions derived from the golden ratio.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 4920-2, highlighting the woven 18K gold case and bracelet, and the lapis lazuli dial.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Ellipse reference 4920-2, highlighting the woven 18K gold case and bracelet, and the lapis lazuli dial. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
shop.analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress watch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
4920-2
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1968 (model inception)
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Dial

The watch features a 32mm elliptical case crafted from 18K yellow gold, characterized by its distinctive oval geometry. The bezel is decorated with a textured, woven 'rope' finish that extends visually into the design of the integrated bracelet. The dial is constructed from a thin slice of lapis lazuli, a natural stone known for its deep blue coloration and characteristic inclusions.

The dial is minimal, devoid of hour markers, and features a simple handset designed to complement the watch's lines. The Patek Philippe signature is printed on the dial at the 12 o'clock position, with 'SWISS' marked at the 6 o'clock position. The crown, located on the right flank of the case, is signed with the company's emblem.

Evidence for this section
  • “32mm 18K yellow gold elliptical case with a woven 'rope' finishing”
  • “exotic lapis lazuli stone dial with a matching stylized handset”
  • “signed crown”

Movement and Bracelet

The watch is powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-250, a manual-winding mechanical movement. This movement is housed entirely within the 32mm elliptical case.

The integrated bracelet matches the case in finish, utilizing an intricate, stylized open-work construction that echoes the rope motif of the bezel. The bracelet is secured by a signed locking clasp, ensuring the assembly remains uniform from the case to the wrist attachment point.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pateks Calibre 12-250 manual winding movement”
  • “paired to a matching stylized bracelet with a signed locking clasp”

Design History

The Golden Ellipse series was introduced by Patek Philippe in 1968. The design was conceived as an alternative to the prevailing watch shapes of the previous 70 years, aiming to bridge the visual gap between a circle and a rectangle.

The proportions of the Ellipse are based on the golden ratio, a geometric principle used to define balance in the dimensions of the case and its presentation. This reference 4920-2 is described by the source as a specific variation within this broader design lineage.

Evidence for this section
  • “In 1968, Patek Philippe released the Golden Ellipse.”
  • “Based upon the “golden ratio” of the ancient Greeks, its proportions are particularly pleasing to the eye.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for the reference 4920-2?
  • Are there variations in the lapis lazuli dial pattern for this reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ellipse Reference 4920-2
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Reference4920-2“reference 4920-2”
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold elliptical case”
DialLapis lazuli“lapis lazuli stone dial”
MovementCalibre 12-250“Pateks Calibre 12-250 manual winding movement”
Case Diameter32mm“32mm 18K yellow gold elliptical case”

Visible details

  • The dial is made of solid lapis lazuli stone
  • The case bezel and bracelet links share a matching woven 'rope' finish
  • The crown is positioned on the right side of the elliptical case
  • The handset consists of two slender, stylized hands

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture for this specific serial number is not provided
  • The source mentions the movement is within, but no specific photograph of the movement is provided

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse رفرنس 4920-2 با صفحه لاجورد

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 37b6210472

Terms in this record

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

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