Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1970 Reference No: 1436 Movement No: 869’215 Case No: 2’642’013 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1970 and its subsequent sale on March 31, 1970.
Catalogue Essay
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.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
