Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738 White Gold / White Owl Ref. 5738/50G-048

The Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts 5738/50G-048 5738/50G-048 debuted in 2026 as a limited series of ten pieces within the Golden Ellipse line, distinguished by a dial in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel enriched with miniature painting on enamel depicting a white owl. The reference applies one of the manufacture’s animal themes to the elliptical Golden Ellipse format, using enamel work to render the bird against a similarly pale ground. 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 executions in this family, the case remains deliberately restrained, leaving the dial as the defining element of the reference. The dial presents a white owl, its contours formed using approximately 40 cm of gold wire weighing about 0.17 grams. To separate the bird from the white ground, the enameller worked with a palette of 17 enamel colours, primarily transparent but including opaque and opalescent compositions where required. Miniature painting on enamel in six additional colours was then used to articulate the plumage and convey its softer texture. Each dial required around 15 firings at temperatures above 800°C. 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 taupe alligator leather strap with square scales, secured by a white gold prong buckle shaped to echo the elliptical case.