87Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3424
"Gilbert Albert"
A superbly well preserved and possibly unique yellow gold asymmetric wristwatch with champagne engraved/enameled dial and 99P calibre
Full-Cataloguing
- Time only
- The only example of the reference equipped with calibre 99P
- Featuring engraved/enameled champagne dial
- Superb condition of conservation
Any example of a “Gilbert Albert” Patek Philippe timepiece - whether wrist or pocket - is considered endgame in the realm of vintage design timepieces. Yet the harsh reality of watch collecting dictates that there shall be a hierarchy even amongst giants - whether due to condition, peculiar dial or other considerations - and the present watch ranks very high on it.
The naked eye of the collector will immediately notice the unparalleled condition of conservation of both case and dial of this example of ref. 3424: the finish is immaculate, the edges sharp, the hallmark crisp, and a charming layer of oxidation is present.
On top of that, the engraved/enameled dial is champagne rather than the more commonly seen silver finish: only about a dozen or less such dials are known from the auction market.
And yet, the best surprise is hidden from prying eyes within the case: as confirmed by the extract, the watch was born with calibre 99P. This is highly uncommon as the virtual totality of the known examples of the reference features cal 8’’’85. Cal. 99P is a low-volume movement which was routinely employed in coin watches and on a different Gilbert Albert model: ref. 3422. It is unknown why the company decided to fit this specific example with this calibre, adding to the mystery of this unique example.
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 teamed up with the designer to produce a series of unusual wristwatches. The talented artist took inspiration from modern artists such as Brancusi and Mondrian, and his daring and unconventional case designs are considered as cutting-edge today as they were 60 years ago. Reference 3424 is one of his most inspired and at the same time elusive models. So far, a total of around 50 examples are known in yellow gold (circa 30), platinum (about 10 known), pink gold (7 known), and white gold (5 known).
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.