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Lot Essay
Please note that the cultured pearls have not been tested for natural origin.
The present bracelet watch is a superb example of contemporary aesthetics from the early 1960s. It embodies the era's fascination with textured gold surfaces, both stylized and organic, and is enhanced by cultured pearls arranged in a seemingly spontaneous, almost natural pattern. In order to maintain the piece's continuous sculptural elegance, the dial is subtly hidden beneath a hinged panel and effortlessly integrated into the bracelet.
Highly innovative for its time, this creation perfectly reflects the avant-garde spirit born from the collaboration between Patek Philippe and the celebrated jewellery designer Gilbert Albert. Albert, who was the company's chief designer at the time, is recognized as the creative force behind this special and eye-catching lady's watch, which clearly reflects his audacious and unorthodox style.
Named 'Pépites avec perles' ('nuggets with pearls'), the present creation was awarded the prestigious 'Prix de la Ville de Genève de la Montre et de la Joaillerie' in the category 'Montre dame bijoux, sans pierres' on 9 September 1960. Remarkably, only one other example of this design is known, with a case number just five digits apart. That sister piece was sold by Christie’s on 18 May 2004 and now resides in the Patek Philippe Museum, further underscoring the rarity and importance of the present timepiece.
Gilbert Albert (1930-2019)
Gilbert Albert, who was born in Geneva in 1930, studied at the École des Arts Industriels before becoming the head designer at Patek Philippe. He created some of the manufacturer's most audacious designs during his seven-year tenure, such as the renowned asymmetrical 'Ricochet' series. Albert was greatly influenced by modern art, especially the pieces of Mondrian and Brâncuși. As a result, he created a design style that is remarkably modern even to this day.
He received ten Diamonds International Awards for his creations, three of which came while he was employed at Patek Philippe, two for Omega, and five under his own name. He opened his own workshop in Geneva in 1962, where he continued to produce one-of-a-kind jewelry by combining rare stones and precious metals in incredibly creative compositions. His artwork has been shown all over the world over the years, from London to Tokyo, New York to Johannesburg. In 1991, he became the first living artist to exhibit at the Moscow Kremlin since 1917.
The present bracelet watch is a superb example of contemporary aesthetics from the early 1960s. It embodies the era's fascination with textured gold surfaces, both stylized and organic, and is enhanced by cultured pearls arranged in a seemingly spontaneous, almost natural pattern. In order to maintain the piece's continuous sculptural elegance, the dial is subtly hidden beneath a hinged panel and effortlessly integrated into the bracelet.
Highly innovative for its time, this creation perfectly reflects the avant-garde spirit born from the collaboration between Patek Philippe and the celebrated jewellery designer Gilbert Albert. Albert, who was the company's chief designer at the time, is recognized as the creative force behind this special and eye-catching lady's watch, which clearly reflects his audacious and unorthodox style.
Named 'Pépites avec perles' ('nuggets with pearls'), the present creation was awarded the prestigious 'Prix de la Ville de Genève de la Montre et de la Joaillerie' in the category 'Montre dame bijoux, sans pierres' on 9 September 1960. Remarkably, only one other example of this design is known, with a case number just five digits apart. That sister piece was sold by Christie’s on 18 May 2004 and now resides in the Patek Philippe Museum, further underscoring the rarity and importance of the present timepiece.
Gilbert Albert (1930-2019)
Gilbert Albert, who was born in Geneva in 1930, studied at the École des Arts Industriels before becoming the head designer at Patek Philippe. He created some of the manufacturer's most audacious designs during his seven-year tenure, such as the renowned asymmetrical 'Ricochet' series. Albert was greatly influenced by modern art, especially the pieces of Mondrian and Brâncuși. As a result, he created a design style that is remarkably modern even to this day.
He received ten Diamonds International Awards for his creations, three of which came while he was employed at Patek Philippe, two for Omega, and five under his own name. He opened his own workshop in Geneva in 1962, where he continued to produce one-of-a-kind jewelry by combining rare stones and precious metals in incredibly creative compositions. His artwork has been shown all over the world over the years, from London to Tokyo, New York to Johannesburg. In 1991, he became the first living artist to exhibit at the Moscow Kremlin since 1917.