Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Geneva, May 10, 2009

LOT 174

Ref. 788/3, Ricochet Patek Philippe, Genève, retailed by Tiffany & Co. movement No. 788514, case No. 311986, Ref. 788/3. Made in 1961, sold on January 19, 1962. Very fine and rare, 18K hammered yellow gold "Ricochet" keyless dress watch. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

USD 5,200 - 7,000 / EUR 4,000 - 5,300

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.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Gilbert Albert (born September 20, 1930) A renowned Genevan jewelry designer and artist. In 1955 he began designing 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 artists such as Brancusi and Mondrian. He gave textured organic surfaces to the asymmetrical shapes of the Patek Philippe "Ricochet" collection. However, many of his more revolutionary designs 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) may be seen 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.