Patek Philippe’s reference 1436 was the brand’s first serially produced split-seconds chronograph wristwatch. Following the launch of the chronograph reference 130 in 1934, Patek Philippe received immediate requests for a wristwatch capable of timing two simultaneous events. The split-seconds mechanism proved invaluable for technical purposes such as timing horse races, automobile races, and scientific experiments.
The present split-seconds chronograph is most probably unique, and one of the most important Patek Philippe timepieces with horse racing history to come to market. One of only about 25 known examples to be encased in yellow gold, this reference 1436 is among very few with Breguet numerals, as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. What makes this watch even more extraordinary is the special inscription found at 6 o’clock: 'Leading Apprentice Hialeah Park 1941.' The raised, hard enamel inscription indicates that the dial was specially commissioned by Patek Philippe before production, to be gifted to a most exceptional horse racer. Everything about the dial is extraordinary and indicative of a special order – the enamel Breguet numerals, the lack of an outer scale on the dial for both maximum legibility and additional room for the full inscription at 6 o’clock, and finally, larger sub-dials than typically seen on the reference.
The recipient of this watch was most certainly American jockey Wendall Eads, who according to a New York Times article in 1941, was cited as the leading apprentice at Hialeah Park for his outstanding achievements. According to The American Racing Manual, out of 844 mounts in 1941, Eads won 150 races, placed in 110, and showed in another 110, earning a total of $343,556 that year—equivalent to over $7.3 million in today’s value (2024). Hialeah Park, opened on January 15, 1925, and completed in 1932, quickly became one of America’s premier racetracks frequented by high society, and was later as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. Interestingly, 1941 was a landmark year in horse racing history, when the American Triple Crown was won by Whirlaway – the fifth horse to do so since 1875, and one of only 13 Triple Crown-winning horses until the present day.
Introduced in 1938, the reference 1436 is regarded as one of the most elegant and sophisticated models ever crafted by the firm. Featuring an extremely fine rattrapante (split-seconds) chronograph mechanism developed by the workshops of Victorin Piguet, they were housed in a classic case measuring 33mm in diameter. Research suggests that only around 140 examples were produced over its approximate 33-year production span, averaging just four watches per year—a remarkably limited number, even by the production standards of the mid-to-late 20th century.
This exceptional example is preserved in wonderful overall condition, showcasing strong case proportions and its original satin-finished case details. A remarkable opportunity for collectors of important vintage Patek Philippe watches, this one-of-a-kind reference 1436 carries a unique narrative, intertwined with both sportsmanship and horology, perfectly showcasing how the rattrapante chronograph was intended to be utilized. In the field of ultimate collectible Patek Philippe timepieces, we cannot think of another timepiece with such a strong tie to horse racing.