Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hog Kong, Feb 26, 2011

LOT 397

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

HKD 230,000 - 380,000

USD 30,000 - 50,000 / EUR 23,000 - 38,000

Sold: HKD 300,000

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 cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, free-sprung 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


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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

Gilbert Albert (born September 20, 1930) A renowned Genevan jewelry designer and artist. In 1955, at the age of 24, he began to apply his innovative talents to designing wristwatch cases for Patek Philippe. Breaking away from traditional shapes, he used asymmetrical triangles and rhombic forms inspired by his passion for modern sculpture and 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 have been exhibited worldwide