Very fine Swiss 18K gold open faced lever watch Circa 1960

Gold rare piece of the Ricochet collection
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A very fine Swiss 18 carat gold open faced Ricochet pocket watch designed by Gilbert Albert for Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1960. Retailed by D. Gumbiner Inc. in New York, U.S.A. The rhodium plated movement with Geneva striping decoration is stamped with the Seal of the Geneva quality mark, has 18 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, a shock absorber and self compensating Breguet balance spring. Textured gold dial with blued hands. The textured case with black Roman hour numerals on the bezel and a snap on back. Dial signed by the retailer and watchmaker, case and movement numbered and signed by the watchmaker, the movement is further engraved with the HOX mark, a special stamp for watches exported to the United States for sale.
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Diameter: 38 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève Swiss
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Reference 7890.
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According to research, only 10 pieces of the reference 789/1 ever returned to the market. Of these, only a handful are known to bear a second signature for a retailer such as the present watch, which is double signed for the renowned Madison Avenue, New York jeweller, D. Gumbiner. The family jeweller was in operation from the 1930s to the 1970s and carried significant Swiss brands, including Patek Philippe, Ch. Meylan and Universal. Produced from 1961 to 1968, the ‘Ricochet’ collection is perhaps among the most famous and recognizable Gilbert Albert and Patek Philippe collaborations.
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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.