Recommended Free Tools
Phillips sold a 1945 stainless-steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 split-seconds chronograph for CHF 3,301,000 as Lot 169 in Geneva Watch Auction: Two. The result was CHF 301,000 above the CHF 1.5 million–3 million estimate. Contemporary coverage reported the rounded CHF 3.3 million total including buyer’s premium, or CHF 2.8 million before premium. This is the result for one unusually rare and well-documented watch, not a current price guide for every Ref. 1436.
What was Phillips’ Lot 169?
It was a 1945 Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 in stainless steel, a manually wound split-seconds chronograph. Phillips’ catalogue identifies the case as number 630’772 and the movement as 863’056. The 33 mm case surrounds a silvered dial with raised steel hour markers and a tachometer scale; the watch has a manual calibre 13”’ with 23 jewels. Phillips listed a leather strap and a stainless-steel deployant buckle stamped Patek Philippe Genève. Phillips’ Lot 169 catalogue
How does a split-seconds chronograph work?
A split-seconds, or rattrapante, chronograph has two central chronograph seconds hands. Start them together, stop one to note an intermediate time while the other continues, then bring the stopped hand back to the moving hand. Phillips’ later catalogue describes the complication’s historical use in timing horse and automobile races and scientific experiments. Phillips’ later Ref. 1436 catalogue essay
Why did it sell for CHF 3.3 million?
The sale price reflects the combination of this watch’s configuration, documented history, condition as described by Phillips, and exceptional rarity—not simply the Ref. 1436 name or its steel case. Phillips’ result was CHF 3,301,000 against an estimate of CHF 1,500,000–3,000,000. Monochrome’s 2015 post-sale report rounded the total including buyer’s premium to CHF 3.3 million and gave CHF 2.8 million before premium; those figures distinguish the total paid from the pre-premium amount. Phillips’ Lot 169 result and estimate; Monochrome’s 2015 report
#1 Best Overall
It was an unusually scarce steel example
Phillips called Lot 169 one of only two known Ref. 1436 watches in stainless steel made and completed in the 1940s. Its catalogue also discusses a third steel case completed in 1941 that was later recased in yellow gold; the original steel case’s whereabouts are unknown. These are Phillips’ claims about known examples, not a complete independently verified census. For the reference as a whole, Phillips’ later catalogue essay estimates approximately 140 examples over roughly 33 years of production. Sotheby’s 2024 catalogue also estimates approximately 140 overall and about five in stainless steel. These attributed estimates have different scopes and should not be treated as an exact production ledger. Phillips’ Lot 169 catalogue; Phillips’ later Ref. 1436 catalogue essay; Sotheby’s 2024 catalogue
The archive record and ownership history added context
Phillips reported that the accompanying Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirms production in 1945 and a subsequent sale on 11 May 1949. Its catalogue essay identifies the Henry Stern Watch Agency as the original U.S. destination and notes an HOX stamp on the balance bridge. Phillips also said this was only the second time the watch had been offered since its original sale and that it had three owners in the intervening period. Monochrome’s 30 October 2015 account says Antiquorum sold it in 2009 for CHF 1.25 million, after which collector Alfredo Paramico acquired it; the watch later passed to another collector before the Phillips auction. These archive and ownership details are reported by Phillips and Monochrome, rather than an independent reconstruction here. Phillips’ Lot 169 catalogue; Monochrome’s 2015 report
Rank #2
Condition was Phillips’ catalogue assessment
Phillips described minimal wear and said the case had likely been polished no more than once. The catalogue noted no visible evidence of watchmaker intervention inside the case back, while qualifying the possibility that the movement had not been dismantled since 1949. These are auction-catalogue observations, not a separate inspection or guarantee of untouched condition. Phillips’ Lot 169 catalogue
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the result compare with other Ref. 1436 watches?
A different Phillips Ref. 1436, an 18k yellow-gold example made in 1970, sold for CHF 190,500 in a later sale. That contrast shows how strongly results can vary between individual watches; the examples differ in material, production year and ownership history, among other factors. It does not establish a current fair value for Lot 169 or for steel Ref. 1436 watches generally. Phillips’ later Ref. 1436 catalogue essay
Quick Recap
Best Value
- From the Bulova Men's Classic Collection, inspired by vintage design, our classic watches achieve a tailored, understated look that's always in style.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, Calendar, 24 Hour Time
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Brown Leather Strap
- Gold Arabic Markers on Gray Patterned Dial with Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #4
- BOLD STYLE: This Neutra Fossil watch for men features a cream satin dial, chronograph movement and brown leather strap; inspired by mid-century architecture, Neutra offers refined, yet versatile profile that's made to be dressed up or down
- CASE & MOVEMENT: 44mm case, 22mm band width, hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches, accurate Quartz movement with chronograph analog watch display, date window, 3 subdials to track minutes, seconds, & 24-hour time, stopwatch, imported
- Dial: One of many among Fossil watches for men, this quartz watch features a round silver stainless steel case, with a cream satin dial and silver accents.
- WRIST WATCH BAND: Brown, genuine leather band with a secure adjustable buckle closure for a customized fit; interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil watch straps
- WATER RESISTANT MEN'S WATCHES: Up to 50m (165ft); wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
