Swiss 18K gold keyless lever Ricochet dress watch Circa 1963

Gold open faced fob watch with chain
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold open faced keyless lever Ricochet dress watch with 18 carat yellow and white gold rectangular watch fob and 65 mm gold chain designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1963. 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 free sprung self compensating Breguet balance spring. Gold bark finished dial, continuing the case decoration with original gold hands. The solid, hammered case with bark decoration and a graduated bezel. Chain and watch fob are stamped 18 carat. Dial, case and movement signed, case numbered. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.
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Diameter: 39 mm
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Thickness: 7 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève Swiss
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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.