Gilbert Albert is beloved for his novel and daring designs that completely departed from the quotidian during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1955, Patek Philippe hired Albert, a young jewelry designer at the time, as the head of their creative department. The talented artist took inspiration from modern artists such as Brancusi and Mondrian, as well as the elegant lines and futuristic shapes of the Space Age. Albert left Patek Philippe after eight years to focus on jewelry design, but the avant-garde creations he produced were seminal designs influencing future daring endeavors.

First sold at auction in 2015, it remains the only example of this reference to appear publicly. The case, made by Markowski, is made of two pieces and mounted on a textured mesh gold bracelet. Key number 8, the Markowski case maker’s mark, is stamped on many of Patek Philippe’s most audacious case designs beginning as early as possibly 1921, up until 1963.

The incredibly well-made bracelet drapes elegantly on the wrist, framing the bold design of the rhomboid case. Preserved in remarkable condition, the watch features a warm champagne dial adorned with raised hard enamel for the black signature and minute track, further underscoring its originality. Coming from an important international collector, the present reference 3270/1, conceived by Gilbert Albert, is ready to grace the wrist of a new collector.