We are proud to offer today this extremely fine and rare original mid-century era ladies Patek Philippe ref. 3257 "Manta Ray."

Albert Gilbert was more than a designer for Patek Philippe — he was a sculptor of time. From the mid-1950's onward, he created some of the most daring, imaginative, and collectible time only watches in the company’s history.

His works, from the asymmetrical “Asymétrie” ref. 3424 to the jeweled Tutti Frutti line and the sculptural Ricochet, are now treated like museum pieces. Many trade in the mid to high five figures, some into six, a testament to how collectors now regard Gilbert as a design icon in the world of horology.

Among his masterpieces is the “Manta Ray,” ref. 2554, a watch with broad flaring sides and sweeping lines that seem to glide like the wings of its namesake. Patek itself paid homage to this model decades later with the ref. 5100 re-edition for the new millenium in year 2000. For collectors, the “Manta Ray” is a legend: an avant-garde shape, fully Gilbert yet restrained, and an embodiment of mid-century modern watch design.

While most of Gilbert's watches were mens models, this ladies version embodies all of that pedigree while offering something else: exquisite beauty in a package for ladies. Its 18K gold case curves outward like sculpted fins, then narrows with elegance toward the lugs, catching light and shadow with every movement of the wrist.

Its simple silver dial grounds it back to tradition in an understated way. And its original gold mesh bracelet flows seamlessly from the case, uniting jewelry and timepiece into a single work of art. The bracelet is not integrated, giving the flexibility of switching to wearing the watch on a leather strap at times.

To see this watch on the wrist is to understand Gilbert’s genius. It is not as outrageous as many of his other pieces - it is graceful and seductive — both a conversation piece and an object of quiet luxury.

In today’s market, when avant garde icons like the Cartier Crash are fetching a quarter of a million dollars, Gilbert's watches stand as Patek’s own more understated kindred spirit: unique in form and timeless in execution. And this one is astonishingly attainable in price.

For entry five figures, one can own a true Gilbert Albert creation — a privilege enjoyed by only the rarest fraction of collectors worldwide. Whether given as a gift to the wife of a sophisticated Patek collector or worn proudly by its owner, it represents the union of significance, beauty, rarity, and desirability in a way few other watches can.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all of its original parts down to all hands and the winding crown. It shows no replacement parts and is in beautiful condition.

Its case presents in just short of mint condition with hardly any wear and only very light signs of previous polishing. Its dial, which is original and untouched, is just short of perfect mint. And its bracelet is in excellent condition.

One of our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement down to its last screw, carefully inspecting each part, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).

We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Please inquire if you would like us to obtain an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives for you. Patek charges 500CHF to provide one.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 948,932
Year sold: 1960
Model: Ref. 3257, the so-called ladies "Manta Ray"
Functions: Hours and Minutes
Designed for: Women's
Case material: 18K gold
Case condition: Its case presents in just short of mint condition with hardly any wear and only very light signs of previous polishing.
Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve, 18K, .750, Ref. 3257, 698,508
Case markings (outside): “Stan - 1935–1960 - Dorothy"
Dimensions: 16mm wide at widest point, 26mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver with gold applied faceted and flat bâton indices, signed Patek Philippe and GENEVE, original and untouched, just short of perfect mint condition. If you would like the patina removed from the markers, please inquire.
Hands: Original, gold batons
Movement type: Extremely high grade, manually wound, cal. 9'' 488/3, rhodium-plated, fausses-côtes decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, adjusted to heat, isochronism, and five positions
Movement markings: Patek Philippe & Co., Geneve, 18 jewels, Adjusted to Heat, Cold, Isochronism and Five Positions, movement no. 948,932
Band: Integrated 18K yellow gold mesh bracelet with signed Patek clasp, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. 6.3 inches on the larger of two size settings in the clasp, previously shortened, excellent condition. A jeweler could adjust the bracelet size.
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement down to its last screw, carefully inspecting each part, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on state-of-the-art systems. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

X