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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1962 and its subsequent sale on December 19th of the same year.
Gilbert Albert
Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930, and studied Jewellery and Design at Geneva's Ecole des Arts Industriels. After completing his studies, he joined Patek Philippe as designer and head of the workshop. During the seven years he spent with the manufacturer, he created some of the firm's most daring designs, most notably the asymmetrical models from the "Ricochet" series.
Gilbert Albert was greatly inspired by modern art, in particular works by Brancusi and Mondrian. His unusual yet timeless designs are considered as cutting-edge and unconventional today as they were when first produced 50 years ago. His designs were awarded the prestigious "Oscar" award at the Diamonds International Awards ten times - three for Patek Philippe, two for Omega, and five under his own name.
In 1962, he opened his own workshop in Geneva, specializing in the design and manufacture of unique jewels and objects. Albert's work was exhibited around the world, and in 1991 was the first living artist since 1917 to be invited to show his creations in the Moscow Kremlin.
The Asymmetricals
The most well-known of Gilbert Albert's designs for Patek Philippe are the references 3412, 3413, 3422, and 3424. These models rarely come up for auction, and the present example presents a rare opportunity for the Patek connoisseur to acquire one of Gilbert Albert's most celebrated designs. The rarity of this highly attractive specimen is further enhanced by the retailer's stamp on the back of the case - "S&L" for Serpico Y Laino, the Venezuelan jeweller who sold high-end watches by Patek Philippe and Rolex.
The present watch is the fifth known reference 3422 to come on the auction market, and the only known example retailed by Serpico Y Laino. The combination of the champagne dial with beautifully raised hard black enamel sector lines, the crisp hallmark in the band revealing it has not be subject to careless polishing, and last but not least, the crisp retailer's stamp on the case back make the present watch an elegant addition to a discerning collection.
To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been offered in public.
Gilbert Albert
Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930, and studied Jewellery and Design at Geneva's Ecole des Arts Industriels. After completing his studies, he joined Patek Philippe as designer and head of the workshop. During the seven years he spent with the manufacturer, he created some of the firm's most daring designs, most notably the asymmetrical models from the "Ricochet" series.
Gilbert Albert was greatly inspired by modern art, in particular works by Brancusi and Mondrian. His unusual yet timeless designs are considered as cutting-edge and unconventional today as they were when first produced 50 years ago. His designs were awarded the prestigious "Oscar" award at the Diamonds International Awards ten times - three for Patek Philippe, two for Omega, and five under his own name.
In 1962, he opened his own workshop in Geneva, specializing in the design and manufacture of unique jewels and objects. Albert's work was exhibited around the world, and in 1991 was the first living artist since 1917 to be invited to show his creations in the Moscow Kremlin.
The Asymmetricals
The most well-known of Gilbert Albert's designs for Patek Philippe are the references 3412, 3413, 3422, and 3424. These models rarely come up for auction, and the present example presents a rare opportunity for the Patek connoisseur to acquire one of Gilbert Albert's most celebrated designs. The rarity of this highly attractive specimen is further enhanced by the retailer's stamp on the back of the case - "S&L" for Serpico Y Laino, the Venezuelan jeweller who sold high-end watches by Patek Philippe and Rolex.
The present watch is the fifth known reference 3422 to come on the auction market, and the only known example retailed by Serpico Y Laino. The combination of the champagne dial with beautifully raised hard black enamel sector lines, the crisp hallmark in the band revealing it has not be subject to careless polishing, and last but not least, the crisp retailer's stamp on the case back make the present watch an elegant addition to a discerning collection.
To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been offered in public.