Swiss 18K gold keyless lever Ricochet dress watch Circa 1963

Gold ladies’ watch 
–
A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold open faced Ricochet keyless dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1963. The rhodium plated movement with Geneva Striping decoration, stamped with the Seal of the Geneva quality mark, 18 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock absorber and self compensating Breguet balance spring. The solid case with bark decoration in a sunburst pattern and a graduated bezel with black champlevé Roman hours, the gold bark finished dial is decorated to match the case and features black oxidized gold hands. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered.
–
Diameter: 39 mm
–
Thickness: 7 mm
–
Signed: Patek Philippe Genève
–
Gilbert Albert, born September 20, 1930, is a renowned Genevan jewellery 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.
–
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.
–
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.