Patek Philippe. A fine, rare and unusual 18K gold asymmetrical keyless lever watch

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The following two lots, 301 and 302, are fine examples of Patek Philippe reference 788 from the celebrated "Ricochet" collection of asymmetrical timepieces, designed by Gilbert Albert. Mr. Gilbert Albert started working for Patek Philippe in 1995 and took his inspiration from his passion for modern art, notably works by Brancusi and Mondrian. In 1962, he founded his own firm at rue de la Corraterie in Geneva where one of his workshops is located still today. Reference 788 was launched in 1961 and remained in production until around 1966. It existed in different versions, to date only known in yellow, shapes and dials differing, named references 788, 788/1 (lot 301), 788/2, 788/3 and 788/4 (lot 302). The Ricochet collection is described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 78, 163, 187 and 188.

Patek Philippe. A fine, rare and unusual 18K gold asymmetrical keyless lever watch

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, RICOCHET MODEL, REF. 788/1, MOVEMENT NO. 791'036, CASE NO. 312'266, MANUFACTURED IN 1964

Details

Patek Philippe. A fine, rare and unusual 18K gold asymmetrical keyless lever watch
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ricochet model, ref. 788/1, movement no. 791'036, case no. 312'266, manufactured in 1964
Cal. 23-300 circular mechanical jewelled movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, bark-finished eccentric gold dial, black enamel baton numerals, in similarly textured asymmetrical case, snap on back, case, dial and movement signed
44 mm. wide

Special notice

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Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in gold in 1962 and its subsequent sale on 31 January 1964.

This "Ricochet" watch is believed to be one of only seven examples of this reference known to exist to date and moreover one of only two of this series featuring baton numerals as opposed to the better known version with sector-style lines. It is furthermore fresh to the market and preserved in very good overall condition.

A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches Volume II, p. 251.

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