Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong, Jul 10, 2005

LOT 344

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 861420, case No. 2610964, Ref. 3422, designed by Gilbert Albert, manufactured in 1961, sold on March 22, 1961. Production of this reference started in 1960. Very fine and extremely rare, asymmetrical rhomboid, small and extra-slim 18K yellow gold gentleman?s wristwatch. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

HKD 200,000 - 270,000

EUR 20,000 - 28,000 / USD 25,000 - 35,000

C. Two-body, rhomboid, solid, polished, satiné stepped sides. D. No. 2610963, champagne, rhomboid,with painted indexes. Yellow gold ?Bâton? hands. M. Cal. 99 P, extra-flat, rhodium-plated, ?fausses-côtes? decoration,18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, 5 adjustments, self-compensating flat balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 29 x 30 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 2 - 38 - 01

Notes

Gilbert Albert Arenowned 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 a 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.