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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Reference 3838/1

Partially verified

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse reference 3838/1 is a quartz-powered wristwatch featuring an 18k yellow gold case measuring 35 by 31 mm. The watch is defined by its elliptical shape and lacks traditional extended lugs. It is equipped with a blue soleil dial, which displays simple stick markers and white printed text including the Beyer signature below the Patek Philippe Geneve designation and the word “Quartz” at the six o’clock position. The timepiece houses the quartz Caliber E27 movement. It is fitted with a Bulang & Sons leather strap and features an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse buckle. The auction description reports that the watch has been checked by a watchmaker and includes a newly installed battery. The presence of the Beyer signature indicates a collaboration with the retailer Beyer, established in 1760.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3838/1 on the wrist.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3838/1 on the wrist. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3838/1
Catalogue / lot identifier
w3014
Source-reported date
Post-1968
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 Dial

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse reference 3838/1 features a gold case with dimensions of 35 by 31 mm. The design is characterized by an elliptical silhouette that integrates the transition between a circle and a rectangle, omitting traditional lugs to provide a continuous appearance. The casing is constructed from 18k yellow gold and is protected by a sapphire crystal.

The watch features a blue soleil dial. The dial layout includes simple applied stick markers. The branding appears in white text, specifying Patek Philippe Geneve, with the retailer name Beyer inscribed beneath it. The word “Quartz” is printed in white at the six o’clock position, identifying the movement type.

Evidence for this section
  • “35 x 31 mm 18k yellow gold case”
  • “smooth, flowing lines uninterrupted by traditional extended lugs”
  • “blue soleil dial, adorned with simple stick markers and white “Quartz” lettering at six o’clock”
  • “Beyer double signature”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the quartz Caliber E27 movement. This movement is designed for precision and reliability. The object is completed with a leather strap sourced from Bulang & Sons, which is secured by an 18k yellow gold buckle stamped with the Patek Philippe name.

The watch includes a functioning battery system. According to the vendor, the movement has undergone a technical check by a watchmaker, which included the installation of a new battery to ensure operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz Caliber E27 movement”
  • “fully checked by our watchmaker, including a freshly fitted battery”
  • “Bulang & Sons leather strap, paired with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse buckle”

Retailer Provenance

The dial includes a double signature from Beyer, a watch retailer founded in 1760.

This signature serves as the primary evidence of the retailer’s involvement with this specific reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “highly collectible detail: a Beyer double signature”
  • “Beyer, founded in 1760, is the world’s oldest family-owned watch retailer and a close partner of Patek Philippe for over a century”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year of this serial number?
  • Was the Beyer signature applied at the Patek Philippe factory or by the retailer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Reference 3838/1
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Reference3838/1“Ref. 3838/1”
Case material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold case”
Case dimensions35 x 31 mm“35 x 31 mm”
MovementQuartz Caliber E27“Quartz Caliber E27 movement”
Dial signatureBeyer“Beyer double signature”
Strap supplierBulang & Sons“Bulang & Sons leather strap”
ConditionBattery replaced and movement checked“fully checked by our watchmaker, including a freshly fitted battery”

Visible details

  • Blue soleil finish on the dial
  • Simple stick hour markers
  • Patek Philippe signature on the gold buckle
  • Elliptical case geometry without extended lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber E27 status unverified by inspection
  • Exact production date unspecified beyond post-1968 debut

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse رفرنس 3838/1 با امضای دوگانه Beyer

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8de84244fc

Terms in this record

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

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