Gilbert Albert's work for Patek Philippe during the late 1950s and 1960s represents one of the manufacture's most adventurous periods of design. Moving decisively away from conventional round cases, Albert approached the wristwatch as a piece of sculpture, experimenting with asymmetry, irregular surfaces and precious stones in compositions that blurred the distinction between watchmaking and jewellery. References such as the 3289 demonstrate just how radical this approach could be, particularly when compared with the restrained Calatravas for which Patek Philippe was already renowned.

This example of the ref. 3289/24J dates to 1968 and is executed in 18K yellow gold and combines its highly sculptural case and integrated bracelet with factory-set diamonds and sapphires. The stones become part of the architecture rather than simply decoration, contrasting with the textured gold surfaces surrounding the small silvered dial. Inside is the manually wound calibre 13.5, allowing the mechanical watch itself to remain remarkably discreet within Albert's jewellery-led design. The watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.