48 Patek Philippe An extremely well-preserved, rare and attractive, asymmetric wristwatch in yellow gold, with champagne dial, designed by Gilbert Albert, certificate of origin signed Gübelin and presentation box.
Estimate: € 130,000 – 260,000
Sold (Premium)€364,000
| Reference | 3422 |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Yellow gold |
| Bracelet Material | Leather strap |
| Year | 1961 |
| Movement | Manual, cal. 99P, 18 jewels |
| Case N° | 2'615'621 |
| Movement N° | 861'428 |
| Dimensions | 27.5mm width and 31mm length |
| Signed | Case, dial and movement |
| Accessories | Accompanied by Patek Philippe certificate of origin dated May 1961 and stamped Gübelin Bros, invoices and fitted presentation box |
Among the most audacious and visionary designs ever conceived by Patek Philippe, this extraordinary timepiece stands as a testament to the genius of Gilbert Albert, a designer who dared to redefine the very essence of watchmaking. Born in Geneva in 1930, Gilbert Albert honed his craft at the city’s Ecole des Arts Industriels, where he studied jewelry design. His talent led him to Patek Philippe, where he assumed the role of designer and head of the workshop. Over the course of seven years, he introduced some of the brand’s most avant-garde creations, including the strikingly asymmetrical timepieces of the renowned “Ricochet” series. Deeply influenced by modern art, particularly the works of Brancusi and Mondrian, Albert infused his designs with bold geometry and unconventional aesthetics. Decades later, his groundbreaking case shapes remain as revolutionary as when they first debuted, cementing his legacy as a visionary in horology. A creation that transcends time itself, the watch’s asymmetrical, rhomboid-shaped case is an architectural marvel, unconventional, and executed with the precision that only Patek Philippe can achieve. Introduced in 1960, following the debut of references 3412 and 3413 the previous year, reference 3422 remained relatively obscure among collectors, despite being available until the late 1980s. After 1969, however, production shifted to a special-order basis, resulting in only around 18 pieces crafted in yellow gold, with just a few examples known to exist today. Early Patek Philippe catalogs referred to this distinctive model as the “Rhomboid 2,” highlighting its rarity. Unconventionally elegant, the present Patek Philippe reference 3422 is preserved in excellent and remarkable condition, showcasing a strong proportioned case still displaying a crisp, deep hallmark to the side lug. A timepiece that challenges convention while remaining unmistakably Patek Philippe, it is as daring today as it was upon its debut, an enduring masterpiece of horological artistry. The present timepiece is further accompanied by its original certificate of origin and Gübelin correspondence.