Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert Vintage Designs

quattro · 2024-12-08T14:48:07Z

Explore three iconic Patek Philippe asymmetrical watches—Refs. 3424, 3422, and 3412—designed by Gilbert Albert. Discover their unique charm and enduring appeal.

quattro's post shines a spotlight on three Patek Philippe references designed by Gilbert Albert, whose tenure from 1955 to 1962 defined a period of avant-garde asymmetry for the brand. This article delves into the distinctive aesthetics of the Ref. 3424, 3422, and 3412, exploring why these vintage pieces continue to captivate collectors and command attention in the horological world. quattro's curated selection of images and historical context provides a compelling look at these iconic designs.

I know these watches are well known and have been brought back to light recently, but they're so good looking that I couldn't resist making this post. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it.

Gilbert Albert (1930-2019) became head of the Patek Philippe workshop from 1955 to 1962, during which he coined signature asymmetrical watches for the house, especially the three references below.

Best to you all.

1/ Ref. 3424

credit: amsterdam vintage watches

credit: roni madhvani

credit: Sjx

Watch by Patek Philippe, Lang and Heyne

credit: unekual

credit: European watch company

2/ Ref. 3422

credit: bonhams

credit: @finehorology

credit: @stoneriverwatches

credit: @forma.watches

credit: the watch lounge

3/ Ref. 3412

Watch by Patek Philippe, Lang and Heyne^^

credit: revolution

Watch by Patek Philippe, Lang and Heyne

credit: hodinkee

credit: unekual

4/ The three references together

credit: revolution

Watch by Patek Philippe, Lang and Heyne

credit: roni madhvani

Key Points from the Discussion

The Ref. 3424 is often cited as a favorite among the three Gilbert Albert asymmetrical designs, appreciated for its unique charm.
The Ref. 3412 stands out to some collectors due to its particularly sharp angles, offering a distinct aesthetic within the asymmetrical trio.
The recent resurgence in awareness for these Gilbert Albert designs can be attributed to features in prominent watch publications like Revolution and Hodinkee.
The Ref. 3422 is considered by some to strike a perfect balance, being sharper than the 3424 but less angular than the 3412.

The Discussion

KMII

Dec 8, 2024

Now you’re talking 👌🏻👍🏻🙌🏻

While the 3424 is my favorite of the trio all of them have a really unmistakable charm in my eyes 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

quattro

Dec 8, 2024

Thanks for your enthusiasm !

I think my personal favorite is the 3422.

GLau

Dec 8, 2024

Great post on the shaped watches ! They are

usual and have certain charm due to their asymmetry. The 3412 is most interesting to me with the sharp angles 👍

quattro

Dec 8, 2024

Thanks for the kind words !

I think my personal favorite is the 3422, which is sharper than the 3424, but less than the 3412: the happy medium! 😅

quattro

Dec 8, 2024

I’m glad you like them!

blau

Dec 8, 2024

These are so beautiful

Full credit goes to Roni for my appreciation of them.

Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert Vintage Designs

Key Points from the Discussion

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