Patek Philippe Reference 788/2 ‘Ricochet’ | A yellow gold asymmetrical open-faced watch, Designed by Gilbert Albert, Circa 1967

Reference 788/2 ‘Ricochet’
A yellow gold asymmetrical open-faced watch, Designed by Gilbert Albert, Circa 1967

Dial: textured gold
Caliber: cal. 23-300 mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 788’496
Case: 18k yellow gold textured case, personally inscribed, snap-on case back
Case number: 311’974
Size: approximately 40 x 40 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no

Condition Report:
Case: Case in overall good condition with light surface wear, scuffing and patina throughout. Some more visible signs of patina to the outermost perimeter of the case back. The Sapphire set to the crown is chipped. The Inside of the case cover is personally inscribed: “To Pamela, Love and Affection, Great-Grandfather M.S. 9.15.67.”

Dial: Dial in fair condition with surface spots and light wear. Visible scuff mark above the signature between 12-1. Some patina and scuffs to the blued steel hands. The Crystal was replaced, in our opinion.

Movement: Movement with some light signs of wear. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

Catalogue Note:
The present lot is personally inscribed on the inside case back, “To Pamela, Love and Affection, Great-Grandfather M.S. 9.15.67.”

According to research, only 20 pieces of the Reference 788/2 were manufactured. Of these, only five are known in the secondary market today, making the present lot particularly rare and desirable piece from ‘Ricochet’ collection. It is also interesting to note that Lot 248, the Reference 789/1 and the present lot are with consecutive movement numbers 788’495 and 788’496 respectively.

Produced from 1961-1968, the 'Ricochet' is perhaps among the most famous and recognizable Gilbert Albert and Patek Philippe collaborations. In the 1960s, Patek Philippe worked with the Geneva jeweler Gilbert Albert to design a series of wrist and pocket watches with innovative asymmetric cases. One of the inspirations for Albert's unusually shaped pieces was his admiration for modern sculpture, particularly works by Brancusi and Mondrian.