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Lot Essay
Please note that Christie’s has applied for an ‘Extract from the Archives’ from Patek Philippe Archives but the Extract has not yet been issued and may not be available by the date of the auction.
Patek Philippe's 'Ricochet' collection stands among the manufacture's most unique and unconventional designs. Launched in 1961 and produced for approximately 5 years, it was created by Gilbert Albert, a visionary renowned for his bold, sculpture-based works and the director of Patek Philippe's design atelier at the time. With minor variations in case shapes and dials, the reference was manufactured in multiple variations, only available in yellow gold. With a total production of about 90 pieces, it can be separated into five distinct series: 788, 788-1, 788-2, 788-3, and 788-4. The current example is one of only 20 examples of reference 788-1 that are thought to have been produced.
The collection's evocative name was inspired by the striking texture dial, which harmoniously echoes the case's design and evokes the shimmering effect of sunlight reflecting on water.
Gilbert Albert (1930-2019)
Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930, He attended Geneva's École des Arts Industriels to study Jewelry and Design before working as a designer and workshop manager for Patek Philippe starting in 1955. He worked for the manufacture for seven years, during which he came up with some of its most innovative designs, including the asymmetrical models of the 'Ricochet' series.
Deeply influenced by nature and motivated by his love of modern art, especially the creations of Brancusi and Mondrian, Albert created striking and unusual case designs that are just as avant-garde now as they were seventy years ago. His exceptional creations earned him the coveted 'Oscar' at the Diamonds International Awards three times for Patek Philippe, twice for Omega, and five time under his own name. He opened his own workshop in Geneva in 1962, with the goal of creating one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork.
Patek Philippe's 'Ricochet' collection stands among the manufacture's most unique and unconventional designs. Launched in 1961 and produced for approximately 5 years, it was created by Gilbert Albert, a visionary renowned for his bold, sculpture-based works and the director of Patek Philippe's design atelier at the time. With minor variations in case shapes and dials, the reference was manufactured in multiple variations, only available in yellow gold. With a total production of about 90 pieces, it can be separated into five distinct series: 788, 788-1, 788-2, 788-3, and 788-4. The current example is one of only 20 examples of reference 788-1 that are thought to have been produced.
The collection's evocative name was inspired by the striking texture dial, which harmoniously echoes the case's design and evokes the shimmering effect of sunlight reflecting on water.
Gilbert Albert (1930-2019)
Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930, He attended Geneva's École des Arts Industriels to study Jewelry and Design before working as a designer and workshop manager for Patek Philippe starting in 1955. He worked for the manufacture for seven years, during which he came up with some of its most innovative designs, including the asymmetrical models of the 'Ricochet' series.
Deeply influenced by nature and motivated by his love of modern art, especially the creations of Brancusi and Mondrian, Albert created striking and unusual case designs that are just as avant-garde now as they were seventy years ago. His exceptional creations earned him the coveted 'Oscar' at the Diamonds International Awards three times for Patek Philippe, twice for Omega, and five time under his own name. He opened his own workshop in Geneva in 1962, with the goal of creating one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork.