Patek Philippe Reference 789/1 ‘Ricochet’ | Retailed by D. Gumbiner, Inc: A yellow gold asymmetrical open faced watch, Designed by Gilbert Albert, Circa 1967

Reference 789/1 ‘Ricochet’
Retailed by D. Gumbiner, Inc: A yellow gold asymmetrical open faced watch, Designed by Gilbert Albert, Circa 1960

Dial: textured gold
Caliber: cal. 23-300 mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 788’495
Case: 18k yellow gold textured case, black enamel radial Roman numerals, snap-on case back
Case number: 311’913
Size: 38 mm diameter
Signed: dial signed by maker and retailer, case and movement signed my maker
Box: no
Papers: no

Condition Report:
Case: The case in overall good condition with light surface wear and patina throughout. The case retains strong texture finish with no signs of wear. There is a small area of enamel loss at the 12 o’clock index. Some light surface scratches.

Dial: Dial in overall very good condition. Light wear and patina.

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:
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.

From our research, no more than 10 examples of the Reference 789/1 has returned to market. Of these, only a handful are known to bear a second signature for a retailer such as the present lot, which is double signed for the renowned Madison Avenue, New York Jeweler, D. Gumbiner. The family jeweler was in operation from the 1930s – 1970s and carried significant Swiss brands including Patek Philippe, Ch.Meylan, Universal and more. Many impressive Patek Philippe double signed pieces have returned to market from Gumbiner including the following references: 1463, 1526, and 2499.

The present lot is offered in wonderfully preserved condition, retaining its exciting textures to the case and dial. The movement is engraved with the ‘HOX’ mark, especially stamped for watches to be exported to the United States for sale, which further supports the American retailer’s dial signature.