This reference is equipped with a quartz movement, reflecting a period when precision and convenience were integrated into high end watchmaking. The case and bracelet are constructed in yellow gold, with a seamless transition between the two, creating a unified design. The dial remains minimal, often presented in a blue or champagne tone with simple baton markers. Its slim profile allows it to sit close to the wrist, maintaining the elegance associated with the Golden Ellipse line.

The appeal of the 3748/1J lies in its historical context. It represents a moment where traditional design met modern technology, resulting in a watch that is both practical and visually enduring. For collectors, it offers vintage character combined with everyday usability.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3748/1

Reference: 3748/1
Collection: Golden Ellipse
Production Era: 1970s
Case Material: 18K gold; surviving documented examples exist in both yellow and white gold
Case Shape: Elliptical
Case Dimensions: 27 × 32 mm
Case Thickness: Approximately 6 mm on documented examples
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Case Back: Solid, snap-on
Lugs: Hooded/hidden lugs depending on the documented execution
Bracelet: Integrated Patek Philippe gold woven bracelet on documented bracelet examples.

Dial: Documented examples include a blue satin/metallic dial with applied gold baton indexes. The exact gold color corresponds to the case: yellow-gold applied indexes on yellow-gold executions and white-gold indexes on white-gold executions.

Movement: Patek Philippe Calibre 215
Movement Type: Manually wound mechanical
Jewels: 18
Balance: Gyromax®
Regulator: Free-sprung regulator
Escapement: Straight-line lever
Balance Spring: Self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring
Adjustments: Heat, cold, isochronism and five positions
Shock Protection: Fitted
Certification: Geneva Quality Mark/Geneva Seal on documented period examples.

Functions: Hours and minutes.
Bracelet: Integrated 18K gold Patek Philippe woven bracelet on the bracelet execution.
Clasp: Patek Philippe signed gold clasp.

Alternative Reference & Configuration Context

The 3748 family was produced in several configurations during its production period:

* 3748/1 — documented with integrated gold bracelet executions.
* 3748/9 — documented with diamond-set bezel and/or diamond-set indexes.
* 3748 — also appears without the /1 bracelet designation in historical cataloguing.

Patek Philippe’s own Golden Ellipse historical timeline places the 3748/9 in 1974 and records the family at 27 × 32 mm with Calibre 215.

Dial variations: Blue is strongly documented for the 3748/1, including Patek Philippe Extract-backed examples. Other 3748 listings document champagne and other dial treatments, but these should be treated as individual documented configurations rather than automatically attributed to every 3748/1.

Reference distinction: The 3748/1 should remain identified as a historical reference, not artificially converted to a modern -001 suffix. Historical Patek Philippe references from this period were catalogued using their original reference format. Patek Philippe’s own timeline confirms the 3748 family and Calibre 215.