Our final live auction of the fall 2024 season, the New York Watch Auction: XI, takes place on December 7-8, at our Manhattan headquarters. The auction includes 180 of the world's finest watches – and though we are loath to boast, we truly think it’s one of the best catalogs we've ever put together. We'll highlight several of the most interesting lots and stories featured in the sales over the next few weeks, including the watches highlighted in this article.
– By Logan Baker
When it comes to horological innovation, Patek Philippe's split-seconds chronographs occupy a rarefied space.
Today, we examine two standout examples of Patek Philippe's split-seconds chronographs: the vintage reference 1436, a timeless symbol of elegance and utility, and the modern reference 5951. Both models highlight the significance of the split-seconds chronograph, but each offers a distinct perspective on the genre.
Vintage: Reference 1436
Launched in 1938, the reference 1436 is Patek Philippe's first serially produced split-seconds chronograph. Its 33mm yellow gold case houses a Victorin Piguet-developed split-seconds movement, a feat of mechanical engineering for its time.
This example is nothing short of extraordinary, bearing a rich narrative tied to the world of horse racing.
Commissioned in 1941 and inscribed "Leading Apprentice Hialeah Park 1941" on the dial, this piece celebrates the achievements of American jockey Wendall Eads. The dial is a masterclass in custom design, featuring Breguet numerals, oversized sub-dials for enhanced legibility, and an absence of an outer scale—details that emphasize functionality over ornamentation. The use of raised enamel for the inscription further underscores the watch’s importance.
Produced in extremely limited numbers—just around 140 pieces over a 33-year production span—the 1436 is a quintessential collector's watch. Its condition is superb, marked by sharp case proportions and a well-preserved satin finish.
Modern: Reference 5951
Fast-forward several decades, and Patek Philippe's split-seconds chronographs have transformed into contemporary marvels that highlight the brand’s innovation. The reference 5951 is a shining example of this evolution.
The thinnest split-seconds movement ever created by Patek Philippe, coupled with a perpetual calendar module, lies at its heart.
What immediately sets the 5951 apart is its design. Its cushion-shaped case recalls Patek Philippe's Art Deco-era pieces, particularly a unique 1928 single-button chronograph. Yet, the watch’s black dial with vibrant red accents and contrasting counters is unapologetically modern, injecting a sense of sportiness rarely associated with the brand's complicated watches.
With a diameter of 37mm, the 5951 strikes a balance between wearability and presence. Unlike the reference 1436’s restrained elegance, the 5951 is bold and assertive, appealing to a contemporary audience that values a mix of tradition and avant-garde design. This first-series example, presented in nearly pristine condition with its original accessories.
Head-to-Head
The reference 1436 and reference 5951 exemplify different philosophies within Patek Philippe’s approach to the split-seconds chronograph. The 1436 is a purist’s dream, a tribute to mid-20th-century craftsmanship and design, with historical significance.
The 5951, on the other hand, represents Patek Philippe's future-facing ambition. Its technical advancements, including the ultra-thin movement and perpetual calendar module, make it a tour-de-force of contemporary watchmaking. The bold use of color and design contrasts breaks from convention, offering a watch that is as visually compelling as it is mechanically complex.
Choosing between the reference 1436 and reference 5951 is less about deciding which is "better" and more about understanding what each represents.
The 1436 is an ode to the roots of split-seconds chronographs, a timepiece steeped in history and tradition. The 5951, meanwhile, is a celebration of progress, a reminder that even in a centuries-old craft, there is always room for reinvention.
You can learn more, place a bid, and view the entire Phillips New York Watch Auction: XI catalog right here.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
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