Lately I've been quite taken by the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse:







Unfortunately, Patek (vintage or otherwise) is a little too dear for my wallet at the moment. So I thought to myself, surely Longines must have produced similar watches in the 70s or thereabouts? I like Longines a lot, really more than Patek anyway.

So I look everywhere, but come up a bit dry. Well, I found this:






Yeah... OK so now we know my title question is answered -- it does exist (I guess?). I suppose I was hoping for a dial with some sort of indices, though.

I've found similar styles from what seems to be random brands from the 70s, but all chromed base metal cases, like this:






And I know Longines currently makes the Symphonette, but only in ladies styles and sizes.


So my question here is, does anyone know of a Longines reference that comes close to this? I particularly like the lugless appearance and the elliptical / oval / rectangular shapes, it doesn't have to be 1:1 the Patek. Dial can be any color, with stick indices, roman, etc but indices are a must, no empty dials.

If no Longines, any other brands that made such styles, in stainless steel cases (or gold)?

 

Here's an interesting vintage GP variation:

https://www.austinkaye.co.uk/vintage-girard-perregaux-oval-steel-manual-watch

Audemars made some nice variations as well, and while not cheap, they would be less expensive than PP:

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1970s-audemars-piguet-18k-white-gold?variant=12117102592075

JLC are also worth considering:

https://www.adamvintage.com/store/p295/jlc-automatic-ultrathin.html

 

Cheers, the GP definitely comes close. I really like the others as well, and I can find a bit more options with lugs like that as well. It's the lugless that's tough to find.

 

Doesn't rise to the level in terms of elegance, but similar inspiration?
This example unfortunately falls short dramatically --and is obviously a redial.

The Audemars Piguet above really looks the part.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Vin...388597?hash=item215f18e835:g:xV4AAOSwoalc2BkzPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Yes, the AP is really lovely, even with the lugs, and perhaps something to set a long term goal for. I also rather like the Cartier-esque JLC -- ah, too many nice watches in this world!

 

Perhaps something from the Longines Golden Wings collection will have that vibe you're going for...

 

Or this? Looks pretty close no? Not same color though.

 

That is pretty similar indeed!

 

Sort of close. Late seventies

 

it definitely does exist - just not often seen ;-)

 

View attachment 1563320

 

These have been getting talked about lately, with Keanu Reeves sporting one



https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/2022/7/7/keanu-reeves-watch-collection

 

Here are a few on eBay now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2042045200...D/giWfHsP0/FHLEAk1TmBxezVjfRRPe93YcDsrIoCTw==Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network





https://www.ebay.com/itm/374533820388?hash=item5733f48fe4:g:GNEAAOSweE9j-qNg&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoF8cstHeowMpeRvR9Z0Sx0Qau1pmL72IjMbkdOshCCBq/QOKggWneifF2Nvl5R1cspnLn5iQOYE8+IWNoLdTHiUUdnRjEHhFhSptfdBYxKsyB2gYhIvXf+lwvRkYsMYk3ZSvcDG/sx3Ezlm4K6GbPBe31wk0dCBaRRpNmrNYXq/oydi6Ce+FfINiD5tVcJldX0Fkp6AruElZBpVSjHhPE1U=|tkp:Bk9SR_KT-pbTYQPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network




https://www.ebay.com/itm/304818215606?hash=item46f894dab6:g:2~AAAOSwA5Fj-nIq&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoJiwByDSo4Ai7+Fixq2n4vWyHzwRb67QVMlIlbhCOP5q/wz518v4WNeToI4ujcoxnOm6i+a6/Ti3wzTrmFQ7yXQT1WFzVhrjevk/EgaHn5O0H/CtiIE7gvD4NtNmDF14hQd2j9J3u1tmR9KH2XFjqDEKpsUF15drO9Fib870lz3f8fKIBL99jcF1SvGsh1EW+PMM05lI62O63fUuQ2TeSHI=|tkp:Bk9SR_KT-pbTYQPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network