Swiss 18K gold keyless lever Ricochet dress watch Circa 1961

Gold asymmetrical lever watch 
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold keyless lever Ricochet dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1961. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York, U.S.A. Sold on January 19th, 1962. The rhodium plated movement stamped with the Seal of the Geneva quality mark, with Geneva Striping decoration, 18 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock absorber and a self compensating Breguet balance spring. Hammered gold dial with black hour indexes and original white hands. A solid, hammered, asymmetrical case. Dial, case and movement signed, case and movement numbered. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.
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Dimensions: 45 x 39 mm
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Thickness: 8 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève Swiss – Tiffany & Co.
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Gilbert Albert, born September 20, 1930, is a renowned Genevan jewellery designer and artist.
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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.
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Albert 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.
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In 1962, he established his own workshop, designing and producing jewellery under his own name. Over the years, he became very successful, both in Geneva and internationally, receiving numerous awards for his jewellery. Gilbert Albert’s creations are exhibited worldwide.