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The Patek Golden Ellipse sits on a different plane, somewhere between a circle and a rectangle. Although simple in design, its adherence to the ‘Golden Ratio’ gives the Ellipse a pleasing harmony.The Golden Ellipse was introduced in 1968 and signalled a departure from the traditional shapes in watchmaking. This Grande Golden Ellipse reference 3634 dates back to 1977 and is the largest execution of the Ellipse.This watch is without a doubt one of the rarest examples. The 18k white-gold case measures a modern 38 x 33.5 mm. Yet, with inclusion of the ultra-thin caliber 28-255C automatic movement (the same one that was used for the reference 3700 Nautilus) the watch is just slightly over 6 mm thick. The case shape is quite unusual as it consists of three thin convex gadroons that wrap around the crystal, giving the impression of a stepped case. The Ellipse dispenses with the traditional extended lugs found on other watches, only allowing the end of the strap to briefly interrupt the smooth lines of the case.While the 3634 is uncommon already, you’re even less likely to run into one with a lapis lazuli dial. Stone dials are beautiful thanks to the natural variation of the stones used, but they’re also quite fragile. Many of them develop cracks or rips over the years. Hence, a flawless dial will increase the value greatly. This dial is in faultless condition and the most desirable variation of lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli often occurs in nature with deposits of two other minerals: calcite (which shows as white veins in the stone) and pyrite (which look like gold veins). This dial contains no calcite deposits and minimal pyrite flecks. To give the lapis stone space to shine, the dial is completely sterile saving two lines of text at the twelve o’ clock position and a small "SWISS" signature at the bottom of the dial. Complementing the case and bracelet, the dial features simple white-gold dauphine hands. Continuing the lapis lazuli theme, we also find a small lapis cabochon on the white gold crown.The watch comes on an elegant black alligator leather Patek Philippe strap with an 18k white-gold Golden Ellipse buckle, signed Patek Philippe. The last publicly sold Golden Ellipse with Lapis Lazuli dial was auctioned in 1993. This one was produced in 1977 and sold a year later as is attested by the accompanying papers and extract of the Patek archives.