Unusual Swiss white gold keyless lever dress watch Circa 1963

White gold open faced pocket watch 
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An unusual Swiss 18 carat white gold open faced carré galbé (curved square) keyless lever Ricochet dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1963. The keyless lever movement with 18 jewels and stamped twice with the Geneva seal, a Gyromax balance. Silvered bark finished dial with applied baton hour indexes. The bark finished case with a snap on back. Case, dial and movement signed.
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Width: 41 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève
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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.