Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Mar 05, 2009

LOT 237

Ref. 788/3 Ricochet Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, retailed by Tiffany & Co. No. 788514, case No. 311986, Ref. 788/3. Made circa 1963. Very fine and rare 18K hammered yellow gold "Ricochet" keyless dress watch.

USD 5,500 - 7,500

EUR 4,300 - 6,000 / CHF 6,400 - 8,700

Sold: USD 8,400

C. Two body, hammered, solid, asymmetrical with radial sunburst chasing. D. Hammered, gold with black indexes. White baton hands. M. Cal. 23-300, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold isochronism and five positions, shock absorber, selfcompensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 45 x 39 mm. Thickness 8 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Gilbert Albert (born September 20, 1930) BR 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.