Omega Gilbert Albert + Broche 18k gold Ref.8241
In the world of Haute Horlogerie, there are watches that measure time, and there are sculptures that capture it. The AWCo collection currently houses one of the rarest and most artistic discoveries of the 20th century: the Omega Gilbert Albert “Ref. 8241” from 1969, complete with its matching brooch.
To understand the value of this piece, one must know its designer. Gilbert Albert (1930–2019) was no ordinary jeweler; he was a revolutionary who won the Diamonds International Award no fewer than ten times, the Oscars of the jewelry world. Where others strived for symmetry and perfectly cut stones, Albert sought beauty in the unexpected. He worked with meteorites, fossils, and rough textures, inspired by greats like Brancusi and Mondrian.
This masterpiece, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, perfectly exemplifies his avant-garde vision. The case is asymmetrical and organic, a flowing design that flows seamlessly into the integrated bracelet. The watch is designed as a piece of jewelry with a secret: the deep red dial is discreetly hidden beneath a gold case.
In 1969, etiquette dictated that a lady should not openly look at her watch in company—that would suggest she was bored. Thanks to Gilbert Albert’s ingenuity, the wearer could, with a subtle gesture, open the caseback, check the time, and transform the watch back into a dazzling gold bracelet.
A unique set: Watch and Brooch.
What makes this offering at AWCo truly unique is the presence of the matching brooch. Both pieces share the same design language: raw, organic, and almost otherworldly. In the brooch and the case, we recognize Albert’s penchant for textures found in nature, cast in the finest metal.
Beneath the artistic exterior lies pure Swiss precision in the form of the Omega Caliber 640, a manual movement that evokes the mechanical perfection for which Omega is renowned.
This is not a watch for the masses. This is a piece for the collector who understands that the lines between jewelry, watches, and modern art have completely blurred here. Owning this set is owning a piece from the studio of the most awarded jeweler in history.
A masterpiece from 1969, ready to be worn again as a statement of unparalleled originality and class.
Year
1969€ 12.500
Contact us
We’re here to help.
Omega was founded in La chaux-de-fonds by Louis Brandt in 1848, although the company would not be named Omega until 1903. It is one of the most successful Swiss watch houses, both in terms of sales and historical significance.
Louis Brandt was already rather innovative before his Omega days. He developed the very first minute-repeater wristwatch with Audemars Piguet in 1892. Although Brandt died in 1903, Omega would not lose its innovative nature. Among its biggest accomplishments are the manufacture of the first tourbillon wristwatch movement in 1947 and the first large-scale commercial implementation of George Daniels’ co-axial escapement in 1999.
The biggest highlight in Omega’s history is undoubtedly the moon landing in 1969. Both Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore Omega Speedmasters on the lunar surface. But there is so much more to this Swiss powerhouse. They launched the very first dive watch with the Omega Marine, all the way back in 1932. That is some twenty years before the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms and Rolex Submariner would redefine the category.
Omega has no shortage of hit collections. From the Speedmaster to the Seamaster and from the Constellation to the De Ville, with tons and tons of variations within all of those lines. You may opt for a yellow gold pie-pan Constellation or for a chunky Ploprof. There is something for everyone.
And that is before we go into Omega’s military history, including the Dirty dozen MOD-issued field watch. And we cannot forget James Bond, with his tricked out Seamasters since 1995’s Goldeneye.
No wonder then, that we love Omega so much!
At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.
We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.
Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Dear Watch enthusiast,
Watches can only be order online within the EU.
Please contact us if you live outside the EU.









