Patek Philippe

cal.13-130 nickel lever movement with V.Piguet split function, stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 25 jewels, amagnetic compensation balance, precision regulator, 8 adjustments • silvered dial, applied Breguet  numerals, gold feuille hands, two subsidiary dials for seconds and 30-minute register, blued steel split seconds hands, outer scale calibrated for tachometer • 18k gold case with scooped bezel, down-turned lugs, two rectangular chronograph pushers in the band, crown activated split, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with a later added 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle

The Movement is running and the chronograph function is working while cataloguing. Dial refreshed in a sympathetic manner. Case gently repolished. The split second is one of the most desirable of all complications ever produced by Patek Philippe. Please note that this watch is rare for not having a tachometer scale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1939 and sale on February 6th, 1941.

The present wristwatch features an extremely rare dial design, indeed, it is the only example of a reference 1436 currently known with 'double railway' calibrated outer tracks. Furthermore, the addition of Breguet numerals (certified by the accompanying Extract from the Archives) adds greatly to its rarity. Interestingly the reference was usually produced with a tachometer scale, the use of the double railway track which covers more surface area of the dial than the standard models, means that no room is provided for the tachometer. The effect is to create a more harmonious and symmetrical dial with an outer track that is solely reserved for registering the split seconds hands when the chronograph is running; in this way, the time recording function of this wristwatch is greatly enhanced.

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 wristwatch 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. According to our reasearch, approximately 165 pieces were made, equating to an average of just 5 watches a year.  

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