162 Patek Philippe Very Unusual and Desirable, Calatrava Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, Gilbert Albert Style Champagne Dial and Special Lugs, With Extract from the Archives, Reference 3442

Estimate: € 3.000 –⁠ 6.000

Patek Philippe is probably the most illustrious watch brand in the world for the beauty and quality of its creations. The great efficiency of the movement was granted by the technicians in Patek’s factory while the cases were supplied by many case makers. The beauty of those metal shells was notable and was more so for some particular creations with unusual shape like the present lot. Manufactured in 1961, this timepiece displays a rare silvered dial with striking black enamel divisions, reminiscent of the Gilbert Albert creations, which collectors appreciate more and more in today’s demanding market. The Extract from the Archives describes this watch as having a “sunburst satin finish dial, enamel hour markers from the center”, the same description we see on the famous ref. 3424 dials. The case maker for the ref. 3442 is Baumgartner, the same maker (keymark 2) we see with some of Gilbert Albert’s Ricochet collection. In 1955, Patek Philippe teamed up with Gilbert Albert, at the age of 24, a young renowned Genevan jewelry designer and artist. 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. The talented artist took his inspiration from his passion for modern art, notably works by Brancusi and Mondrian, the unusual yet timeless designs are considered as cutting-edge and unconventional today as they were when first produced 60 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. There are few wristwatch models that have achieved a cult status like Gilbert Albert’s Patek Philippe designs.