Swiss 18K yellow gold Ricochet dress watch Circa 1966

Gold lever dress watch 
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A Swiss 18 carat yellow gold open faced Ricochet keyless dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1966. Accompanied by an Isshin guarantee and Certificate of Identification, the original pouch and a hang tag. The solid case with hammered decoration, a bezel with graduated black champlevé Roman hour numerals and recessed crown. Gold dial decorated to match the case and black oxidized gold hands. A rhodium plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock absorber and self compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed.
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Diameter: 39 mm
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Thickness: 6.5 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.