Exclusive Timepieces 22 – 23 April 2023 | Monaco
Auction Details
The Monaco Legend Group team has put together an astonishing selection of rarities in the horological field. From the Unique Piece Rolex Yachtmaster, former property of the late President of Rolex Patrick Heiniger, to an outstanding example of the Patek Philippe 2523-1. Not to mention the great selection of rarities destined for Middle Eastern market, such as a Rolex Submariner and Daytona from the Sultanate of Oman and a steel Daytona with UAE emblem on the dial.
Many thanks to Auro Montanari, alias John Goldberger, Roberto Randazzo and George Pakkos for their significant help in supervising the catalogue and to Eric Tortella for his assistance in searching for some of our rarest Patek Philippe watches in his database and releasing his passport of authenticity for them.
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Session I: Saturday 22 April, 2:30 PM – lots 1 to 100
Session II: Sunday 23 April, 10:30 AM – lots 101 to 164
Session III: Sunday 23 April, 2:30 PM – lots 165 to 261
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
Sold € 9,750
Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3442
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1961
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 23–300
Case N°: 2 621 036
Movement N°: 787559
Dimensions: 28 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives
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.