The split-seconds chronograph watch is one of the most elegant timepieces both for its aesthetic appeal and complicated movement. Amongst watch enthusiasts, Patek Philippe’s caliber 13” is probably best known for the rare reference 1436, and the extremely rare reference 1563 split-chronograph wristwatches. The mechanism allows the wearer to time a single event that begins together, but ends separately, or measures an interval, such as in car or horse racing. During the early to mid-20th century well-heeled gentleman of taste would find the split-chronograph watch attractive and functional.

The present lot is a lovely example and an interesting study in horology. The most noticeable aspect of the watch is the vertical layout of the subsidiary dials with the 30-minute register at the 12 and the constant seconds at the 6 position. This design has a clean modern look, and is enhanced by the applied Arabic and baton numerals popular mid-20th century. The case shape matches other Patek Philippe complicated timepieces of the period, most notably world-time and perpetual calendar pocket watches. It is a clean, sleek design that suggests the exuberance of the post-war era. Another intriguing feature of the watch is the case back reference number 685, which is a single chronograph watch of the same period, however the split-seconds models were reference 755. Since the watch is confirmed by Patek Philippe, it suggests these watches were made on request and therefore the reference 685 case was used.

This lovely reference 755 is one of very few known to the market and is in excellent original condition. The split-seconds chronograph is an intriguing complicated watch, and this example will make a superb addition to a savvy collection.