Read our expert's description
Brand :
Patek Philippe
Model :
Tiffany
Reference :
Patek Philippe - 1436
Category :
Wrist Watch
Period :
1960's
Watch ID :
EVEN
Movement :
Mechanical
Caliber :
T
Case material :
Yellow Gold
Reference Detail :
1436 AN
Clasp type :
Folding clasp
Complications :
Chronometre
Description :
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe;Year: 1960;Reference No: 1436;Movement No: 868'993;Case No: 2'616'385;Material: 18K yellow gold;Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 25 jewels;Bracelet/Strap: Alligator;Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle stamped PPCo;Dimensions: 33mm. Diameter;Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed;Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1960 and its subsequent sale on 11 July 1961.;Catalogue Essay;Reference 1436 is the first split seconds chronograph wristwatch that Patek Philippe ever produced in a series. Shortly after the launch of reference 130, 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 or automobile races, along with measuring scientific experiments.;Thus, in 1938, reference 1436 was born. The model is possibly one of the most elegant references ever produced by the firm, with the rattrapante chronograph mechanism housed within the confines of a 33 millimeter case. Research suggests that approximately 140 examples were produced throughout the reference's approximate 33 years of manufacture, meaning an average of 4 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 cased 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. Furthermore, second generation examples featured a co-axial button within the crown to split and reunited the split chronograph hands.;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, defined lugs. The present dial also marked a change from Patek Philippe's usual design code by omitting the "base" text on the outer register. Considered an "experimental" dial, it also features "open" subsidiary registers, as opposed to earlier examples which are "closed". Interestingly, this dial configuration is almost identical to the watch's immediate sibling, reference 1436 with case number 2'616'386 and movement number 868'994. The latter is only distinguished by its shortened baton markers and "Tiffany & Co" signature on the dial.;Yet, the caseback is possibly the most fascinating element of the watch. It is inscribed "Baalim Derby-Sieger 1961", which translates to "Baalim Derby-Winner 1961". The engraving most probably refers to the Deutsches Derby race in Germany, Hamburg. In 1961, the winning horse was indeed Baalim.;As stated on the Extract from the Archives, the owner purchased the watch nine days after the horse's victory on July 2, 1961. Baalim's successful victory without a doubt enabled his owner, Countess Spreti, to receive a windfall. It is fair to believe that the watch was a generous gift from the owner, to someone involved with the race. While we may never know if the watch originally belonged to the winning jockey Gerhard Streit, or even the successful horse breeder, we are certain that the "split seconds" mechanism is inextricably tied to the sport of racing, and by extension, the victory itself.;This example is not only an incredibly well-preserved watch. It is also a relic of sorts, preserving the memory of an event which undoubtedly changed the course of its original owner's life.
