Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong, Jul 10, 2005

LOT 343

?Pink 3424? Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, No. 857624, case No. 2622946, Ref. 3424, designed by Gilbert Albert. Production of this reference started in 1959. Very fine and very rare, asymmetrical, rhomboid, 18K pink gold gentleman?s wristwatch with an 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.

HKD 500,000 - 700,000

EUR 50,000 - 70,000 / USD 65,000 - 90,000

C. Two-body, rhomboid, polished and brushed, polished bezel,stepped sides. D. Matte silver, rhomboid, with painted indexes.Pink gold "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 8???85, rhodium-plated,"fausses-côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement,monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold,isochronism and 5 positions, self-compensating Breguetbalance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 27 x 39 mm. Thickness 7 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 2 - 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.