- 14
Patek Philippe
Description
- AN 18K YELLOW GOLD SPLIT SECOND CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BREGUET NUMERALS AND TACHOMETER SCALE 1946 REF 1436 MVT 863787 CASE 646705
- 18K YELLOW GOLD
- diameter 33 mm
Provenance
Henry Graves, Jr.
Gwendolen Fullerton
Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
With an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1946 and subsequent sale with raised gold hour markers on October 17th, 1947.This watch was delivered to Tiffany & Co., New York on November 29th, 1949 and sold to Henry Graves, Jr. for $870.
Immensely mechanically complex, the split seconds chronograph is considered one of the three most challenging complications in the art of watchmaking. Reference 1436 holds a cherished position in the eyes of collectors as Patek Philippe's first split seconds chronograph wristwatch produced in series. The manufacture spanned from 1938 and 1971. Over this period, our research indicates that approximately 140 pieces were made, which equates to an extremely small production run of just four watches annually.
As one of the finest examples to ever appear on the market, the present example features applied gold Breguet numerals, often considered the most attractive dial variation. It is also thought to be the least-commonly made dial for this reference, with most examples featuring baton or a combination of baton and Arabic numerals. To date, just over a dozen Ref. 1436 models have surfaced featuring such a dial.
Examples of the reference can be found in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Volume 2, Second Edition, pp. 272-274.