Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738 White Gold / Northern Pintail Ref. 5738/50G-047

The Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts 5738/50G-047 5738/50G-047 debuted in 2026 as a limited series of ten pieces within the Golden Ellipse line, distinguished by a dial in wood marquetry depicting a Northern Pintail. The reference applies the marquetry technique to a naturalistic bird portrait, using the elliptical Golden Ellipse format as a restrained frame for the dial composition. Its white gold case follows the established Golden Ellipse proportions derived from the golden section and measures 34.5 x 39.5 mm, with a thickness of 6.58 mm. The watch is humidity- and dust-protected only and fitted with a solid case back. As with other Rare Handcrafts references in this family, the case remains visually understated, leaving the decorative dial to define the reference. The dial presents a Northern Pintail against a background in shades of watery green. To construct the image, the marquetry maker assembled 161 veneer pieces together with 25 inlays, using 45 species of wood selected for their colour, texture, and grain. The composition focuses on the bird’s elongated plumage, eye, and stance, with the tonal range of the wood species used to separate the subject from the background and to articulate the feathering. Time is indicated by white gold cheveu-style hands. Inside is calibre 240, Patek Philippe’s ultra-thin self-winding movement. It measures 27.5 mm in diameter and 2.53 mm in thickness, consists of 152 parts, uses 27 jewels, and operates at 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. The movement is wound by an off-centre 22K gold mini-rotor and provides a minimum power reserve of 48 hours. Its regulating organ comprises a Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring, and it bears the Patek Philippe Seal. The watch is fitted with a hand-stitched shiny olive green alligator leather strap with square scales, secured by a white gold prong buckle shaped to echo the elliptical case.