Reference 1436 is one of the most elegant, rare, important and collectible vintage Patek Philippe models. Shortly after the launch of the chronograph reference 130 in 1934, the company notice that a split-second version had a potential market. Indeed, the “rattrapante” mechanism was particularly useful for technical purposes, such as timing horse, automobile races, as well measuring scientific experiments.

Thus, in 1938 the firm introduced ref. 1436, to the day considered one of the most refined models ever produced by the firm. Not only it represents an ineffable merging of design and technical proficiency, it is furthermore one of the scarcest models made by the firm. Given the difficulty of assembling a split-second movement, research suggests that the total output for the model is approximately 140 examples, produced throughout the reference's approximate 33 years of manufacture. That means an average of 4 watches per year. This is an exceedingly limited number, even by the production standards of the mid-to-late 20th century.

The first generation cases were produced by Emile Vichet, while later generation cases, such as the present watch were made by Ponti, Gennari & Cie. Furthermore, second generation examples like the present featured a co-axial button within the crown to split and reunite the split chronograph hands.

Made in 1970 the present watch remained in the family of the original owner until 2023 where it first appeared at auction meaning the new buyer will be the third owner since the watch left the Patek Philippe workshops over 50 years ago.

In overall very attractive condition the collectability of the present watch is heightened by the fact that it is one of only 10 known examples with co-axial pushers and index dial to be encased in yellow gold.