The following two lots, 182 and 183, are from Patek Philippe's famous "Ricochet" line of asymmetrical watches, created by the highly talented designer and jeweller Gilbert Albert, and described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 78, 163, 187 and 188. Many of these avant-garde creations never went above the prototype stage, most certainly due to the uncertain commercial success of the revolutionary design. Few wristwatches have achieved such iconic status as the asymmetric creations by Patek Philippe. Even 40 years after its creation, reference 3424 is more modern than many watches of current production. Thanks to its landmark design and touch of contemporary art, it promises to attract more curious and admiring looks than numerous complicated peers could ever hope for. Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930. After studying Jewellery and Designing at Geneva's Ecole des Arts Industriels, he joined Patek Philippe as designer and head of the workshop. During the seven years with the celebrated manufacturer, he created the firm's most daring designs, most notably the asymmetrical models from the celebrated "Ricochet" series. Gilbert Albert took his inspiration from his passion for modern art, notably works by Brancusi and Mondrian, and his daring and unconventional case designs are considered as cutting-edge today as they were 50 years ago. His outstanding creations gained the prestigious 'Oscar' award at the Diamonds International Awards no less than ten times, three for Patek Philippe, two for Omega and five times under his own name. In 1962 he opened his own workshop in Geneva, specializing in the design and manufacture of unique jewels and objects. Gilbert Albert handles material in a supreme manner, shaping precious metal and mixing rare stones in an unconventional blend made of dreams, delicacy and magic. Over the years, Albert's work has been exhibited around the world from London to Tokyo, Johannesburg to New York. In 1991 he was the first living artist since 1917 to be invited to show his creations in the Moscow Kremlin. Every year, Gilbert Albert launches new creations such as "Scarabées et Bijoux", "Les Bijoux de la Nature", "Météorites et Bijoux", "Les Joyaux de la Mer", "Les Porcelaines de la Nature", "Les Uniques", "Les Joyaux Coralliens", the shapes combined with the materials used paying tribute to his genius.

Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare 18K gold asymmetrical wristwatch with champagne dial, bracelet and original certificate, designed by Gilbert Albert

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, REF. 3424/3, MOVEMENT NO. 858'111, CASE NO. 2'622'939, MANUFACTURED IN 1965

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Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare 18K gold asymmetrical wristwatch with champagne dial, bracelet and original certificate, designed by Gilbert Albert
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, ref. 3424/3, movement no. 858'111, case no. 2'622'939, manufactured in 1965
Cal. 8'''85 circular mechanical movement, 18 jewels, champagne dial, black hard enamel "sector" lines, rhomboid-shaped asymmetrical case, curved stepped sides, snap on back, 18K gold Patek Philippe integral bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
27 mm. wide & 38 mm. overall length

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With Patek Philippe original certificate and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1965 and its subsequent sale on 7 June 1967.

The present "Ricochet" watch is one of only two examples of a reference 3424/3 in yellow gold with champagne dial and integral bracelet to appear in public to date. This highly attractive specimen furthermore combines an array of features enhancing its appeal to the discerning collector, including the beautifully raised black hard enamel sector lines on the charismatic champagne-coloured dial, the sharp lines of the full case and the well-defined hallmark revealing that it has not been subject to careless polishing and last but not least the integral mesh bracelet made by the renowned Swiss bracelet maker Jean Pierre Ecoffey.