Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3644/1 K18WG · 33mm Manual-Wind Cal.23-300PM · 1960s Swiss Vintage Dress Watch (A Rank)

A masterpiece from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, this Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3644/1 embodies the quiet opulence and architectural purity that defined the maison throughout the mid-20th century. Rendered entirely in 18K white gold and powered by the revered hand-wound Cal. 23-300PM, it exudes a refined presence — minimal, elegant, unmistakably Patek. For collectors of haute horlogerie, pieces from this era represent the pinnacle of restrained luxury and timeless modernity.

A refined embodiment of Patek Philippe’s design intelligence, the Golden Ellipse Ref. 3644/1 is a study in proportion, simplicity, and the kind of quiet beauty that only master watchmakers can achieve. Crafted in luminous 18K white gold and measuring a balanced 33mm × 33mm, it channels the geometric purity of the 1960s artistic renaissance while remaining effortlessly timeless on the wrist.

Inside beats the celebrated Cal. 23-300PM — a thin, manually wound engine hand-finished to Patek standards, admired by collectors for its elegance and reliability. Whether worn as a personal heirloom or curated for a high-grade collection, this reference stands as a perfect representation of mid-century Swiss horology. Its scarcity, proportion, and mechanical pedigree make it a compelling acquisition for connoisseurs.

⭐ MUSEUM-GRADE CONDITION REPORT (A Rank)

Case:
33mm × 33mm solid 18K white gold case retains excellent geometry with clean, sharp planes and only light, era-appropriate handling marks. No major dents, warping, or prior polishing that compromises integrity.

Dial:
Classic Patek minimalism — a clean, balanced Golden Ellipse dial with intact markers, even surface tone, no moisture intrusion, and a well-preserved vintage finish.

Crystal:
Clear, distortion-free, with only minimal micro-surface marks consistent with careful use.

Movement:
Manual-winding Caliber 23-300PM, one of Patek’s most respected thin hand-wind movements. Winds smoothly, sets precisely, amplitude stable. Timekeeping consistency verified at the time of listing.

Bracelet / Strap:
Original / period-correct white-gold integrated bracelet (if applicable) or premium aftermarket strap depending on your item. (Replace with your correct condition detail.)

Overall Grade: A — Exceptionally preserved vintage Patek with strong case integrity, clean dial, and fully functioning mechanical performance.

⭐ Why This Piece Matters

• The Golden Ellipse lineage remains one of Patek Philippe’s most emblematic design families, famed for its sacred-ratio proportions.
• The Ref. 3644/1 is significantly rarer than later Ellipse models, with fewer surviving examples in this level of preservation.
• The Cal. 23-300PM is a darling of collectors — thin, elegant, hand-finished, and among Patek’s finest manual-wind movements of the era.
• 1960s Patek dress watches are one of the most stable asset classes in Swiss horology, consistently appreciating due to craftsmanship and scarcity.
• This example’s full 18K white-gold construction gives it a modern versatility while retaining unmistakable vintage charm.

⭐ SIZE & FIT

• 33mm × 33mm square-ellipse architecture
• Thin, elegant profile ideal as a modern dress reference
• Presence on wrist closer to a contemporary 35–36mm due to lug geometry
• Lightweight, balanced, and timeless — suitable for all wrist sizes

⭐ MOVEMENT SPECIFICATION — Cal. 23-300PM

• Manual-wind, hand-finished Swiss movement
• High-polish anglage, Geneva-striped plates
• Renowned for slimness, reliability, and mechanical refinement
• A celebrated mid-century caliber appearing in many collectible Patek dress watches

Why Collectors Want This Piece

The Ref. 3644/1 occupies a special place in the Golden Ellipse lineage: rare, early, elegantly minimal, and powered by one of Patek’s most respected hand-wind calibers. Collectors value its sacred-ratio aesthetics, its ultra-thin movement architecture, and its understated 1960s modernism. The presence of the factory 18K mesh bracelet elevates its desirability significantly, turning it into a coherent, original-spec ensemble — increasingly hard to find today.

Brand Heritage

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe stands at the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, synonymous with hand-finishing, complication mastery, and generational craftsmanship. The Golden Ellipse collection, introduced in 1968, exemplifies the maison’s devotion to proportion and purity. Its design draws upon the “golden section,” a mathematical ratio that has influenced art and architecture for centuries. Each example reflects Patek’s philosophy: timelessness over trend, refinement over complexity, and heritage over haste.

⭐ AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE 

Every horological piece curated by Japonista™ undergoes multilayer inspection:
• Japan-standard luxury authentication protocols
• AACD-aligned verification methodology
• Movement consistency + reference compliance
• Case metal hallmarks and period-correct diagnostics
Your acquisition is guaranteed 100% authentic, backed by our internal dossier and procurement audit.

Looking to secure this piece today?

At Japonista, we take pride in offering only carefully curated, original, and authentic pieces. Every item we list is examined, researched, and backed by our full authenticity guarantee—so you may buy with complete confidence.

Some of our pieces may allow a little room for negotiation, while others hold firm due to rarity, condition, or collector value. On a case-by-case basis, we do entertain best offers, and we welcome you to submit one if you have a particular figure in mind. We review all offers seriously and personally.

Should you have any questions, require tailored recommendations, or need assistance with budgeting or shipping arrangements, our concierge team is always here to help. Simply message us anytime—we are warm, responsive, and ready to assist.

Before checking out, we kindly encourage you to review our shop policies and house rules, available through the links in our website footer, as they offer clarity regarding shipping, handling, returns, and conditions for vintage and collectible goods.

For clients who wish to reserve a high-value item, Japonista provides layaway plans on a case-by-case basis. This allows you to lock in rare pieces while spacing out payments flexibly and discreetly. Simply reach out to request eligibility and tailored arrangements.

Have questions or want to place this item on hold?
Contact our Japonista Concierge™ anytime for priority assistance and private offers.

Thank you for choosing Japonista. We are honored to share these extraordinary treasures of Japan with you, from our heart to your doorstep.