Ref 1436
Split-seconds chronograph wristwatches were the "must" of Patek Philippe technology and after 1938 were generally cased with this reference. The majority are in yellow gold. Rarely, they are in pink gold, and only four stainless steel examples are known, three of which were sold by Antiquorum: Geneva, April 10, 1994, lot 431, Geneva, April 23, 1995, lot 457, Geneva, May 10, 2009, lot 161. In the mid-1950's some were produced with a coaxial button on the winding crown for the split-seconds functions (stop and reunite). Production of this reference ceased in 1971. First generation: stop and reunite functions of the split-second hand controlled by the winding crown. Second generation: stop and reunite functions of the split-second hand controlled by a co-axial button in the winding crown. The Split-Seconds Chronograph was designed to time two events which begin simultaneously but conclude at different times, as well as a single event for which an intermediate timing is necessary, such as horse or car races. Patek Philippe was one of the fi rst to introduce modern split-seconds chronographs - as early as 1862. (No. 17557, see Antiquorum, October 18, 1992, lot 590.) The split-seconds mechanism employs two central chronograph hands. Both hands are started at the same time. The splitseconds hand can be stopped while the chronograph hand continues to move. The split-seconds hand can be reunited with the chronograph hand in order to time another event. This complication is especially useful during sporting events such as a horse race, a car race or a ski race.
Various dial combinations can be found throughout the production of the 1436 including Breguet numerals, Roman XII & VI combined with baton, dot or index markers as well as similar dials fi tted instead with Arabic 12 & 6 numerals. Very few were made with pulsations scales and these can be considered special orders. A signifi cant change in the appearance of the 1436 came when the split-second activation was modifi ed from depressing the crown, to depressing a button within the crown. At approximately the same time this feature was introduced the dial was updated from using an enclosed outer minute scale, to an open 1/5th second scale, both earlier and later versions usually had a tachometer with division numerals to the outer and the text 'base 1000' printed. Movement numbers 868993 to 868996 were fi tted with different dials to either the earlier or later standards and can be considered a transitional experiment by Patek Philippe. Numbers 868993 and 868996 were both fi tted with the same dial featuring 1/5ths seconds and tachometer track with division numerals printed to the inner, no 'base' text was used. They were similarly fi tted with 12 and 6 Arabic numerals and long baton markers. This lot, movement 868994 features the identical design dial but is fi tted with the shorter index markers. Number 868995 had a pulsations scale dial (the dial was later changed on number 868996). The same confi gured dial, fi tted with the alternative long baton markers, can be found in the book Patek Philippe Vol 2 by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, pg. 208 and 273. The prior manufactured 1436 to this transitional sequence, 868992, featured a coaxial split-second button and earlier version dial with enclosed minute track and outer tachometer scale. The subsequently manufactured 1436, number 868997, used open 1/5ths seconds with tachometer scale featuring the numbers on the outside of the track and Base 1000 printed to the outer. This format became standard for later examples. Offered fresh to the market, this example of Ref.1436 can be considered one of the fi nest in yellow gold to have appeared. Made in 1960 the watch has survived in exceptional original condition with the inner case back displaying no repair marks and the case in apparent unpolished condition with virtually no evidence of use. In addition the crystal, strap, gold buckle and gold spring-bars, all of which are usually changed at some time during the life of a watch, all appear original. The dial is offered in rarely seen condition with no signifi cant sign of age. Considering the condition and rarity this lot is ideal for a collector seeking only the very best in vintage complications.