Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738 Yellow Gold / On the Rocks Ref. 5738/50J-012

The Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts 5738/50J-012 5738/50J-012 debuted in 2026 as a limited series of ten pieces within the Golden Ellipse line, distinguished by a dial combining cloisonné enamel with hand-engraved sapphire crystal to depict a glass of whisky on the rocks. The reference applies several decorative techniques to a trompe-l’œil composition, using the elliptical Golden Ellipse format as the frame for a still-life subject. Its yellow gold case follows the collection’s established 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. On this reference, the back is engraved with a thistle motif echoing the sapphire crystal decoration and bears the inscription “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky”. As with other Rare Handcrafts Golden Ellipse references, the case remains restrained in form, leaving the decorative work to define the watch. The dial was first hand-guilloched with a pattern of horizontal waves. The enameller then used approximately 12 cm of gold wire, weighing about 0.1 grams, to outline the rim of the tumbler, the level of the liquid, and the contours of the ice cubes. A slight relief effect was introduced to the glass and cubes, after which the amber tones of the whisky were rendered using a palette of 12 enamel colours, mainly transparent and semi-transparent. Hand-engraving on the sapphire crystal completes the composition, reinforcing the illusion of depth and giving the scene the appearance of a single malt served over ice. Each dial required 11 firings at a temperature approaching 765°C. Time is indicated by yellow 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 alligator leather strap with square scales in a chestnut-to-brown gradient, secured by a yellow gold prong buckle shaped to echo the elliptical case.