Introduced in the late 1960s, the Ellipse became one of Patek Philippe's most iconic creations. The reference 4225 represents one of the finest interpretations of this design, combining the elegant Ellipse case with one of the most coveted dial configurations ever offered: natural onyx.

Stone dials have always occupied the highest tier of vintage watch collecting. Unlike traditional metal dials, each onyx dial begins as a single slab of natural stone that must be cut impossibly thin without cracking before being meticulously polished and fitted to the watch. The process is extraordinarily difficult, resulting in very limited production. Their inherent fragility means that many have been damaged or replaced over the decades, making original examples increasingly scarce today.

The result is breathtaking. The jet-black onyx creates a mirror-like surface with remarkable depth, allowing the yellow gold hands to appear as though they are floating above the stone. As light moves across the dial, it absorbs rather than reflects, creating an elegance that is impossible to achieve with conventional finishes. Every genuine stone dial is unique, making each watch one of a kind.

Crafted in 18k yellow gold and powered by a finely finished manual-wind movement, the reference 4225 is completed by a leather strap with its original Patek Philippe Ellipse buckle, preserving the refined simplicity that defines the collection.

Preserved in excellent vintage condition, this Patek Philippe Ellipse is far more than a classic dress watch, it is a rare collector's piece that combines one of the manufacture's most iconic designs with one of the most desirable dial materials ever used in watchmaking. For many collectors, an original stone-dial Patek represents the pinnacle of vintage elegance and remains among the most difficult configurations to source today.