Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...
New York, Dec 05, 2007
LOT 393
Asymmetrical Prototype Patek Philippe, Genève, movement No. 783890, case No. 2609758, Ref. 3413. Designed by Gilbert Albert, made as a prototype in 1960, sold on June 10, 1960. Extremely rare and very fine asymmetrical, rhomboid, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with a 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.
USD 60,000 - 75,000
EUR 40,000 - 52,000
C. Two-body, rhomboid, solid, polished, lapidated band, flat bezel, flat top crystal. D. Matte silver, rhomboid, divided into 12 sectors by slender black lines. Yellow gold baton hands. M. 23-300, stamped with the Geneva Quality Mark, extra-flat, rhodium-plated, fausses côtes decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, freesprung Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 30 x 27 mm. Thickness 7 mm. Property of Various Owners
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3--7-9-01 |
Good Oxidized Scratched HANDS Original |
Notes
A renowned Genevan jewelry designer and artist. In 1955, at the age of 24, he began to apply his innovative talents to the design of wristwatch cases for Patek Philippe. Breaking away from traditional shapes, he introduced asymmetrical triangles and rhombic forms inspired by his passion for modern sculpture and works by his favorite artists, such as Brancusi and Mondrian. He also introduced textured organic surfaces on the asymmetrical shapes designed for the Patek Philippe "Ricochet" collection. However, many of his more revolutionary designs of that time remained prototypes and were not produced in series.
In 1962, Gilbert Albert established his own workshop, designing and producing jewelry under his own name. Over the years, he became very successful, both in Geneva and internationally, receiving numerous awards for his jewelry. Gilbert Albert's creations are exhibited worldwide.
Creations of Gilbert Albert, Ref. 3412-3413 (prototypes) and 3422- 3424 (production) are illustrated in "Patek Philippe Wristwatches", by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, 1998 , pp. 78, 163, 187 and 188 and in the thematic sale "The Art of Patek Philippe", Antiquorum Geneva, April 9, 1989, pp. 45, 103 and 263.