Unusual Swiss 18K white gold Ricochet dress watch Circa 1963

White gold lever watch with a long chain
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A very fine and unusual Swiss 18 carat white gold open faced carré galbé (curved square) Ricochet keyless dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1963. Accompanied by a silver link long chain and an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1963 and subsequent sale on August 18th, 1964, the 18K white gold case and silvered dial with raised indexes are also stated.
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A solid case, partly polished on the back, band and bezel, partly with a bark effect pattern and trapezoidal fixed pendant. Entirely bark finished, silvered dial, repeating the case decoration, with applied baton hour indexes and black hands. Rhodium plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, stamped twice with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, self compensating Breguet balance spring shock absorber. Dial, case and movement signed.
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Dimensions: 41 x 36 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe  Geneva
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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.
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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. 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.