Patek Philippe’s Ricochet collection is one of the most unique and fashion forward designs produced by the firm during their long and prestigious history. Released in 1961 and manufactured for a relatively short period of approximately five years, the asymmetrical case is the design of Gilbert Albert (1930) the head of Patek Philippe’s design workshop from 1955 until 1962. A student of jewellery design and craftsmanship at the L’Ecole des Arts Industriels in Geneva, he departed the brand and ventured into the jewellery world. Albert is known for the unconventional use of materials like coral, pearls and meteorites. The works have a harmony with nature in their form and color.

The Ricochet watch has a natural fluid design reminiscent of flowing water. The two piece cases were made by Antoine Gerlach, Geneva key 4, with Stern Frères dials, and the extra flat caliber 23”300. The reference 788 is only known to have been produced in yellow gold and in five series; 788J, 788/1, 788/2, 788/3 and 788/4, each with a difference in both case design and dial layout. The present watch from the 4 series is one of approximately 24 produced and is the earliest known. Fresh to the market, it is in excellent overall condition with an unpolished case that retains strong proportions and crisp case stippling. The watch is further enhanced by the addition of the Patek Philippe yellow gold watch chain.