Ref 3838/001- Requesting information please

My father recently gave me a watch he purchased in the early 1970's, and has never worn. The original Patek documents with it indicate it to be:

Reference No. 3838/001, Mouvement No 1'503'527, Calibre: E27 quartz, Rubis/Watch jewels: 6, Cadran/Dial: fond glace, heures perlees, Boitier/Case: or jaune 18ct, Bracelet/Strap or bracelet: or jaune 18ct.

ALthough I have been unable to locate a single citation to this Reference No. 3838, I believe it may be called a "Golden Ellipse". I would be grateful for any specifics, such as the years this model was produced, and why it is so difficult to look up! It bears all the external hallmarks of a genuine PP, according to what I have read, but perhaps it is not genuine, because no information is available?

Second question: My father has kept this in a safety box all these years, with the winding pin pulled out. He has replaced the battery every few years nonetheless. As I will be giving it to my fiance in a few months, I would like to make sure it is good working order, cleaned, oiled, etc. THere is an authorized Patek service center in a Tourneau office nearby (South Coast PLaza in Orange County, California), and I am considering taking it there for this servicing. Do you have any reservations about this, or recommendations?
Thank you in advance.
C