Patek Philippe

Christie's, Geneva, May 2011, Lot 181

Antiquorum, Geneva, April 1992, Lot 547

The present watch was published in Patek Philippe Complicated Wristwatches, 1997-1999, G. Negretti and P. De Vecchi, pp. 52-53

Examples of the reference can be found in Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Volume 2, Second Edition by M. Huber and A. Banbery, pp.272-274.

This particularly extraordinary example of the reference 1436 stands out for its singular features. It is the only known model with hard enamel Breguet numerals and oversized counters, a detail that lends the watch a bold and highly unique aesthetic. Adding to its charm, the subsidiary dials, as well as the minutes and seconds scales, are all crafted using the engraved-enamel technique. Despite the passage of time, the enamel remains in outstanding condition, with only a few minor restorations, preserving the dial’s originality and historical integrity.

The case of this particular reference was made by Emile Vichet, a renowned case maker who was responsible for many of the earliest cases for the 1436. Vichet’s contribution is significant, as the early cases were known for their exquisite finishing and robust construction, which have helped preserve these watches for decades. Later examples of the reference 1436 would have cases made by Ponti Gennari, marking a shift in production over the 34-year lifespan of the model.

In total, around 140 examples of the reference 1436 were produced over the course of its three-decade run, with most crafted in yellow gold. Of these, only around 120 were made in yellow gold, about 15 in pink gold, and a mere 5 in stainless steel. What further sets this particular yellow gold example apart is its hard enamel Breguet numerals dial—only about 26 known pieces in yellow gold bear this highly sought-after feature, but this is the only one known with hard enameled Breguet numerals. The dials for these timepieces were manufactured by Stern Frères, another prestigious name in the world of haute horlogerie, known for their impeccable craftsmanship and artistic designs.

In 1944, the reference 1436 retailed for 1,900 Swiss Francs, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting the high value placed on Patek Philippe’s intricate complications. The split-seconds chronograph itself remains one of Patek Philippe’s rarest complication. The slow, deliberate production of fewer than four pieces per year, on average, highlights the exclusivity of this reference.

In essence, the Patek Philippe reference 1436 is not just a timepiece—it is a celebration of precision engineering and artistic refinement. This particular example, with its unique dial, hard enamel Breguet numerals, oversized counters, and the enduring quality of its original enamel, stands as a testament to the unparalleled legacy of Patek Philippe in crafting timeless masterpieces.