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 noticed that a split-second version had a potential market. Indeed, the “rattrapante” mechanism was particularly useful for technical purposes, such as timing horse or 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.

While earlier example feature a crown which also acts as split-second pusher, second generation examples like the present watch feature a co-axial button within the crown, giving the watch a more sporty appeal and render this model unmistakable to the eye of the collector.

Incredibly enough, the present piece represents a higher collecting tier than a “standard” 1436. As apparent at first glance, it indeed bears a Tiffany & Co.-signed dial, accompanied by all the details one would expect to come with such a dial: Tiffany stock number hand-engraved behind the lug, and HOX stamp on the movement certifying it was imported into the USA.

One of the most important collaboration in the history of watchmaking, the relationship between Tiffany and Patek goes back more than one-and-a-half century and resulted in some of the most important timepieces in history. Testament to this iron-clad relationship is the fact that today Tiffany is the only retailer who is allowed to have their name on the dial alongside “Patek Philippe”.

Not only Tiffany-stamped Patek Philippe pieces are some of the most collectible watches on the market, but they are also some of the most difficult to find. Research shows that, for example, less than 10 tiffany-stamped 1436 are known from the public. market. The present piece, last seen in 1988 and reappearing now after nearly 40 years, is one of these rarefied masterpieces.