The Gübelin Ellipse: A Rare Retailer‑Made Timepiece from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet
The Gübelin Ellipse is a rarely documented timepiece created by the Swiss jeweler Gübelin, a retailer historically associated with prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. Originating from a watch shop founded in 1854, Gübelin later produced its own branded watches, including the Ellipse, which mirrors the design language of Patek’s models but uses a Peseux 7001 movement. The watch measures 31 mm across the case and 35 mm lug‑to‑lug, with a slim 6 mm thickness and a 16 mm lug width, making strap selection challenging. Its 7001 movement, introduced in 1971 and later produced by ETA, offers a 42‑hour power reserve, a 21,600 bph beat rate, and a 2.5 mm thickness, suitable for slim dress watches. The author acquired the Ellipse for $25 in 2024, highlighting how diligent searching and attention to detail—such as spotting a misspelled brand name—can yield remarkable finds at modest prices. The piece is notable for its rarity, limited documentation, and the fact that it represents a unique collaboration between a jewelry retailer and high‑end watchmakers. Collectors are encouraged to monitor auction sites for similar Gübelin pieces, as they can command high prices depending on condition and complications. This watch exemplifies the hidden gems that can emerge from the periphery of the watch‑collecting world.
Buying Time Analysis: This article highlights the rarity and undocumented nature of Gübelin’s own timepieces, showing how diligent research and savvy buying can uncover valuable collector’s items at modest prices.
