Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 1436
    Movement No: 868’983
    Case No: 2’616’381
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives from 2004 confirming production of the present watch with Breguet numerals in 1959 and its subsequent sale on December 17th, 1960. Additionally accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives dated April 22nd, 2022 confirming production of the present watch with Breguet numerals in 1959 and its subsequent sale on December 17th, 1960.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s reference 1436 was the first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch the brand produced in series. Shortly after the launch of the chronograph reference 130 in 1934, Patek Philippe immediately received requests to produce a wristwatch capable of timing two separate events. The split seconds mechanism was particularly useful for technical purposes, such as timing horse, automobile races, as well measuring scientific experiments.

    Introduced in 1938, the reference 1436 is considered one of the most elegant yet sophisticated references ever produced by the firm, with the rattrapante (split-seconds) chronograph mechanism housed within the confines of a 33 millimeter case. Research suggests approximately 140 examples were produced throughout the reference's approximate 33 years of manufacture, meaning an average of four watches were produced each year. This is an exceedingly limited number, even by the production standards of the mid-to-late 20th century. The present watch is one of only approximately 25 known examples to be encased in yellow gold. While the first-generation cases were produced by Emile Vichet, later generation cases, such as the present watch, were made by Ponti, Gennari & Cie.

    This particular example is preserved in remarkable condition, with a strong hallmark between the lugs. The case has developed a beautiful layer of patina over time, and displays strong case proportions, and well defined lugs. When it was first offered on the market in 1996, it was fitted with a dial with applied Arabic and baton indexes. As the Extract from the Archives from 2004 specifies a dial with applied Breguet numerals, one can assume the previous owner wanted to return the watch to its original configuration as described by the extract, hunting down a dial with applied Breguet numerals and short Patek Philippe signature from the 1950s, matching the production date of the watch. Since its last appearance at auction twenty years ago with this dial, this watch has been cherished in the “Ride the Wave” collection, remaining unworn by the consignor until the present day.

    Watch connoisseurs often place Patek Philippe’s references 1518 and 2499 perpetual calendar chronographs at the top of complicated timepiece grail lists, however the reference 1436 was for decades the brand’s most complicated timepiece during the early 20th century. Today, it is a legend amongst collectors, and this incredibly well-preserved example is a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Σ106

Ref. 1436
An extremely fine, rare, and very well-preserved yellow gold split-seconds chronograph wristwatch with Breguet numerals

1959
33mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$150,000 - 300,000 
CHF149,000-299,000
€144,000-288,000
HK$1,180,000-2,350,000
S$209,000-419,000

Sold for $378,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022