Unusual Swiss 18K gold keyless Ricochet dress watch Circa 1962

Gold open faced lever watch 
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A fine, unusual Swiss 18 Carat gold open faced carré galbé (curved square) keyless lever dress watch with associated chain made by Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1962. From the Ricochet collection designed by Gilbert Albert. The watch has a rhodium plated movement with Geneva striping decoration and 18 jewels. It is stamped twice with the Seal of the Geneva quality mark, and features a straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, self compensating Breguet balance spring shock absorber. The gold dial is entirely bark finished and matches the case decoration. It has applied baton hour indexes and original black hands. The case is solid with a partly polished back, band and bezel, and a partly textured bark effect pattern. It also has a trapezoidal fixed pendant. The dial, case and movement are all signed, and the case is numbered. The watch comes with the original presentation box and an Extract from the Archives.
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Dimensions: 41 x 36 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève
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The case is in good overall condition, showing surface wear consistent with its age. The dial is also in good overall condition, with light wear consistent with its age. The movement is currently running.
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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.