Our colleagues from Collectability have a beautiful Gilbert Albert-designed Ladies-Patek ref3289 in their offering (top-left, here: *klikk) and this calls for a comparison of this wonderful Ladies-Patek to our feminine and beloved Gilbert Albert-stock (bottom, here: *klikk) and the secret matchsticks especially (top-right, here: *klikk).

The similarities are stunning: Both (the Patek and the different Omegas) were designed in the mid-1960s and not only both share the typical naturalistic GA-style but also the influential role to later-presented naturalistic watches, like the AP Bamboo ('70s), Cartier Crash (1967) and especially the Andrew Grima-Omegas (1970s, see especially the matchstick-series). The Patek as the Matchstick-Omega share a Bamboo- / Matchstick-like shape -- handmade finished and unique. And both are decorated with seemingly randomly placed diamonds -- sparkling.

Besides this, both share a miniature-sized highest quality caliber: Patek cal13.5 (13.5mm * 3.2mm) or Omega cal650 (12.4mm * 2.9mm) or others like the Omega cal690, cal484 or cal730. Both are at par in terms of quality, reliability and finishing.

And all cases and bracelets (Patek & Omegas) were made by the most honoured Swiss goldsmiths: Baumgartner etc. and of 18K-gold, sure.

The Patek has additional to the diamonds 8 emeralds placed on the bracelet -- amazing green twist. However, the dial is a clean and simple one as a contrast. Manufactured by Stern-Freres (Stern is the Patek-family), yes and made of brass. The Omegas are all equipped with top Stern-Freres-dials made of solid gold and finished lavishly.

Another major difference is the adjustable bracelet in the Omegas. The Patek has to be cut and welded by a goldsmith to make it a fit to the ladies wrist, while the Omegas use the Gilbert Albert-invented Gold-Link-system to enable size-adjustment without visible traces. And especially the Matchstick-Omega has two other highlights that are missing at the Patek: it uses the celebrated DuoPlan-movement (JLC cal101) and it opens the secret dial with a klikk when a certain diamond is pushed -- amazing and a surprising eye-catcher.

Patek or Omega? In the end a choice is very much a question of personal taste, sure. But either is no mistake: these watches are a bit overlooked but probably the most interesting Ladieswatches around.

• photo-source: Collectability LLC & own