Patek Philippe

18k, damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva (cal.13-130), 25 jewels, mono-metallic a-magnetic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator, split seconds work visible on the back plate, silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, blued steel split seconds hands, outer scale calibrated for tachometer, circular case with polished scooped bezel, satin finished sides, crown activated split, down-turned lugs, case, dial and movement signed, with 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle and an Extract from the Archives

The accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this wristwatch was manufactured in 1969 and sold on October 31st the same year.

Immensely mechanically complex, the split seconds chronograph is considered one of the three most challenging complications in the art of watchmaking and is consequently one of the most celebrated by collectors. The first Patek Philippe split seconds wrist chronographs were sold after 1929 and were up to 50% more expensive than the simple chronograph  [Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol.2 Second Edition, p.81]. Reference 1436 itself was the first series produced split seconds chronograph wristwatch with a dedicated model number and was manufactured between 1938 and 1971. Despite the fact that production continued for 33 years (ceasing in 1971), research suggests that as few as 165 examples of the model were manufactured; this equates to an average of just 5 watches a year. Late versions of the reference, such as the present lot, are rare and only 14 examples are currently known in yellow gold with a co-axial pusher through the crown. The present lot’s desirability is greatly enhanced by the fact that it bears the highly desirable signature of its retailer, Tiffany & Co.

The names Tiffany and Patek Philippe have always been closely associated. Founded in 1837 by Charles Louis Tiffany, father of the famed designer Louis C. Tiffany, Tiffany & Co. is now known as one of the premier names in the jewellery and luxury goods market. Upon a handshake between the owners of the two companies, Charles Tiffany and Antoine Norbert de Patek, the relationship between these two great houses commenced in 1851. The alliance officially began in 1854, three years after the reincorporation of the watch making firm as Patek Philippe & Co. when Tiffany introduced Patek watches to the American market. Patek Philippe wristwatches retailed or personalised by Tiffany are highly prized by collectors today.

Only 72 reference 1436 wristwatches have so far re-appeared on the market and, by studying these, the following analysis is possible regarding the production run:

1938-1945                    75 wristwatches manufactured
1946-1955                    30 wristwatches manufactured
1956-1960                    30 wristwatches manufactured
1961-1971                    30 wristwatches manufactured

During this time the reference underwent several changes, the most notable being in the design of the dial and pushers. Five dial variations are usually found for the reference and two standard chronograph pusher set ups. The present wristwatch features a late version of the 1436 dial with full baton numerals (almost all other versions incorporate combination numeral dials) and the rarer co-axial form of split pusher through the crown.

Examples of the reference can be found in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Volume 2, Second Edition, pp.272-274.

With its classic ‘Calatrava’ inspired case design, reference 1436 is the archetypal Patek Philippe split seconds chronograph wristwatch. Except for the very small number of reference 130 split seconds chronographs, all previous wristwatches with this complication by the company had to some extent been experimental, featuring unusual dial and case combinations. The 1436 itself was the perfection of classic styling which ensured its long survival in Patek Philippe’s production. However, in 2005, Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5959, a new split seconds chronograph wristwatch and the company's first fully 'in house' chronograph calibre. The model is the thinnest column-wheel-controlled split-seconds chronograph ever made and incorporates an entirely new movement calibre CHR 27-525PS. Only available in platinum and cased in a traditional ‘Officer’s’ style, the watch is testament to the importance with which Patek Philippe equates the split seconds complication. The images illustrated herewith, provide an insight into the development of the split seconds chronograph wristwatch over the past 80 years.