Description
The Patek Philippe Ref. 3604, also known as the Golden Circle, was launched in 1971 to accompany the brand’s well-known Ellipse collection. Many mistakenly refer to this model as an Ellipse, but it is not: it is a separate collection in its own right. Crafted in 18k white or yellow gold, it was offered with a variety of dials, ranging from blue to gold, silver to brown. The Ref. 3604 is among the most beloved pieces for collectors of both Ellipse and Golden Circle models.
Classic and distinctly ’70s in style, this automatic watch wears large on the wrist, highlighting its characteristic case shape, often referred to by collectors as Cushion or TV Screen. The Golden Circle was originally conceived by Patek Philippe as a “square circle,” but with the introduction of the Ref. 3604 in 1971, the line firmly asserted its bold identity. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, numerous Golden Circle variations appeared—some with lugs, others without—and by the late ’70s various bezel styles were introduced. Its generously sized dial—practically a television screen—served as the perfect canvas for exploring different finishes. Produced from 1971 to 1980, the Ref. 3604 was the first Golden Circle model equipped with an automatic movement, powered by the Caliber 28-255C, which would later also be used in the Nautilus 3700. It was the largest cushion-shaped case ever made by Patek Philippe, with the sole exception of the Beta 21. Its generous proportions and high-quality movement make this model a sought-after piece, still entirely up to contemporary standards.
The example presented here dates to 1975 and features a solid yellow-gold case and caseback. The dial, decorated with a Clous de Paris motif, remains beautifully preserved; the long, minimalist baton hands mirror the shape and finishing of the applied indices, elongated and slender. A date display is positioned at 9 o’clock. The watch comes as a full set and is accompanied by an Ellipse buckle, also in gold.