Swiss 18K gold keyless lever Ricochet dress watch Circa 1962

Gold open faced ladies’ watch
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold open faced keyless Ricochet dress watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1962. Retailed by Trucchi. Solid case with bark decoration, the bezel with black Roman hour numerals. Gold bark finishes the dial, continuing the case decoration with black, oxidized, gold hands. Rhodium plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, stamped with the Seal of the 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 signed by the watchmaker and retailer, case and movement signed by the watchmaker. Accompanied by the original presentation box.
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Diameter: 39 mm
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Thickness: 6.5 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève – Trucchi
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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.