PATEK PHILIPPE. A FINE 18K GOLD ASYMMETRICAL MANUAL WIND CONVERTED WRISTWATCH Model: Ricochet Reference: 788/4J Date: Purchased January 19th, 1967 Movement: Cal. 23-300, 18-jewel manual wind, Geneva Seal, no. 1'142'577 Dial: Textured champagne Case: Textured asymmetrical case, snap on case back with special engravings, later added hidden lugs Strap/Bracelet: Regulated species Buckle/Clasp: 18k gold buckle Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle Size: 42 x 36mm Accompaniments: Maker's Extract from the Archive confirming the date of production in 1966 and purchase date Footnotes: Introduced during the 1960s, the Reference 788 'Ricochet' is one of Patek Philippe's most unconventional and avant-garde creations. Designed by the legendary jeweler and watch designer Gilbert Albert, its asymmetrical geometric form reflects the experimental spirit of the period and stands in sharp contrast to the traditional Calatrava aesthetic. Surviving examples are rarely encountered, particularly those accompanied by an Extract from the Archives. Offered directly by the present owner, the current example has been converted for wristwatch use and bears the special engraving, 'To Tony, My special 'OSCAR' to you, Joe Levine'. The inscription is believed to refer to Joseph E. Levine, the celebrated American film producer and distributor who served as executive producer of The Oscar (1966), a film in which Tony Bennett made his acting debut. The engraving therefore lends the present watch an intriguing connection to the world of cinema and entertainment. Provenance Christie's Geneva, 18th May 2004, Sale 1316 Lot 12. ***Please note that wristbands made of material of endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to property release or shipping. *** This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y Y Lot has been identified at the time of cataloguing as made of or containing certain restricted plant or animal material such as tortoiseshell, coral, whalebone, Brazilian rosewood or certain types of reptilian or other exotic skins, fur or feathers woods that may be subject to import or export restrictions or may otherwise require the granting of one or more export or import licenses or certificates, or that may be subject to similar restrictions regulating intrastate or interstate transport or trade within the United States at the state or federal level, or may be banned from export or import altogether by some countries. Please refer to paragraph 10 in the Conditions of Sale or to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing