Patek Philippe Ref 783 “Montres Golf” Retailed By Gübelin Designed by Gilbert Albert w/ Pouch & Extract Unpolished

Easily one the most important visionaries to work with Patek Philippe, Gilbert Albert is renowned for his shaped watches and design-focused approach. His tenure at the manufacturer represents brought about the most imaginative chapters within the company’s history. While most associate his works with the asymmetrical wristwatch cases, this reference 783 is one of the many undiscussed relics from the Albert portfolio.

The watch is uniquely stylish and it is quite apparent when looking at certain elements, such as the segmented dial, that it was created by the designer. The watch is powered by the calibre 12-400, and the case measures 39mm in diameter and 8mm in height (including the crystal). In addition, it is a double-signed dial sold by the Lucerne-based retailer Gübelin. The case back features the Poinçon de Maître key numbered 2 indicating F. Baumgartner SA, a case specialist who produced the cases many water-resistant Calatrava wristwatches, including the legendary reference 2526. While many collectors prioritize wristwatches, this pocket watch is a treasure and an absolutely mesmerizing creation from one of the watch industry’s most talented minds.

This particular model is from the “Montres Golf” collection of three different models depicted in the advertisement (reference 782, reference 783, and reference 799) with integrated chains made for golfers to have in their pocket when playing golf. These golf watches became somewhat in vogue in the mid-20th century as golf became more popular and it became more widely-known that the impact of a swing could damage a wristwatch’s movement. The integrated chain allowed the golfer to clip it to their pocket for quick access to the time when on the course and also to ensure that it would not accidentally get lost. The “Montres Golf” watches also frequently came with a brown leather pouch, sometimes embossed with PATEK PHILIPPE in gold, but in the case of this watch embossed with GÜBELIN in gold. This reference 783 has an ornate wreath-like pattern on the chain and edge of the case that makes it particularly appealing.

This watch came from the grandson of the original owner, who was a diplomat for Iran in the 1950s and 1960s, before the Shah was deposed, and likely was a gift to him by another diplomat. To the best of our knowledge, the watch had not been opened since leaving Patek Philippe before our watchmaker opened it.

We do not know the service history, but the watch is running well. It does not come with a box or papers. It comes with Extract from the Archives. It comes with a Gübelin signed pouch.

PRICE: $69,000 (Item SBUXYT0354)