18ct yellow gold Gilbert Albert Rocaille d'Or bracelet watch. Made 1968

Information

Gilbert Albert (1930 - 2019) is a Geneva born master jeweller that went on to transform watch design.

With encouragement from his father, by the age of 15 he was studying at L'École des arts industriels. He developed a life long interest in nature and eptomology, inspiring his future use of raw materials, combining them with elements like gold and gemstones to create his contemporary designs. Though eccentric, his designs were also practical, where brooches could become pendants and stones could be interchanged. 

Albert, still at the young age of 25, eventually caught the eye of Henri Stern at Patek Philippe and joined the company as Head of Design. During his 8 years at Patek, he challenged the coventional watch style and pivoted away from the classic designs, towards more modern asymmetrical styles.  Furthermore, being a jeweller at heart, many of his watches he created for women were miniture works of art and in 1960 he won and award for his cuff watch design (ref. 3295). 

After his time at Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert went on to work for OMEGA. Here he created some of his most recognisable time pieces, such as his elaborate collection of cuff/bangle watches, which included the signature Rocaille d'Or. 

Though he loved designing watches Albert eventually returned to his passion for jewellery, opening his own atelier in Geneva, but continued to consult for Patek Philippe and OMEGA. His originality saw him win international awards, 3 for Patek, 2 for OMEGA, and 5 for his own jewellery designs of which no other designer has achieved since. 

• Brand: OMEGA 
• Made: 1968
• Model: Rocaille d'Or 
• Reference: BA 511.257
• Calibre: 620
• Movement: Manual
• Material: 18ct tri-tone yellow gold
• Features/complications: Hinged cover
• Dial: Yellow gold dial featuring baton hour markers with black inlays and black baton hands
• Case dimensions: 20mm
• Bracelet/strap: 18ct two-tone yellow gold hand carved & engraved textured bracelet length approixmately 170mm
• Accessories: -
• SKU: 03407

Essay

Gilbert Albert (1930 - 2019) is a Geneva born master jeweller that went on to transform watch design.

With encouragement from his father, by the age of 15 he was studying at L'École des arts industriels. He developed a life long interest in nature and eptomology, inspiring his future use of raw materials, combining them with elements like gold and gemstones to create his contemporary designs. Though eccentric, his designs were also practical, where brooches could become pendants and stones could be interchanged. 

Albert, still at the young age of 25, eventually caught the eye of Henri Stern at Patek Philippe and joined the company as Head of Design. During his 8 years at Patek, he challenged the coventional watch style and pivoted away from the classic designs, towards more modern asymmetrical styles.  Furthermore, being a jeweller at heart, many of his watches he created for women were miniture works of art and in 1960 he won and award for his cuff watch design (ref. 3295). 

After his time at Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert went on to work for OMEGA. Here he created some of his most recognisable time pieces, such as his elaborate collection of cuff/bangle watches, which included the signature Rocaille d'Or. 

Though he loved designing watches Albert eventually returned to his passion for jewellery, opening his own atelier in Geneva, but continued to consult for Patek Philippe and OMEGA. His originality saw him win international awards, 3 for Patek, 2 for OMEGA, and 5 for his own jewellery designs of which no other designer has achieved since. 

• Brand: OMEGA 
• Made: 1968
• Model: Rocaille d'Or 
• Reference: BA 511.257
• Calibre: 620
• Movement: Manual
• Material: 18ct tri-tone yellow gold
• Features/complications: Hinged cover
• Dial: Yellow gold dial featuring baton hour markers with black inlays and black baton hands
• Case dimensions: 20mm
• Bracelet/strap: 18ct two-tone yellow gold hand carved & engraved textured bracelet length approixmately 170mm
• Accessories: -
• SKU: 03407