Manufacturer: Gilbert Albert Year: Circa 1960 Material: Platinum and diamonds Calibre: Mechanical, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum and diamond chain Dimensions: 69 mm. length Signed:Movement signed Angelus
Catalogue Essay
Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert is best known for his unconventional use of materials, favouring mysterious stones as opal, azurite, fossils and meteorite. His craftsmanship and metal work is particularly stunning, as he frequently and painstakingly carves, bends and sculpts precious metals and their alloys into unique shapes.
While Gilbert Albert is best known in the watchmaking world for his asymmetrical case designs for Patek Philippe, the jeweler has also created many other unique timepieces, such as the present watch. The watch dial is suspended and encased in a moonstone pendant, which is housed in a platinum case. The platinum case has been carefully carved to emulate the crevices and indentations of a wooden branch. Diamonds are scattered throughout the pendent, subtly shimmering and appealing to even the most discerning of eyes. The pendant hangs from a platinum necklace, which is also subtly set with diamonds along the joints.
Although unsigned, the present watch truly exemplifies Gilbert Albert's mysterious yet absolutely stunning aesthetic and matches perfectly to the watch as he has created.