WatchTime - August 2012

There are only four
known surviving
examples of Reference
1436, which was
made in steel in 1945.
when the split-seconds hand is stopped. To accomplish this uncoupling,
the octopus wheel acts on an isolator wheel, which
disconnects the split-seconds lever as soon as the pincer closes.
The entire mechanism functions with the aid of two springs acting
in opposition: one of them affixed under the split-seconds
wheel, the other attached above it. These springs alternately
open and close the connection between the split-seconds wheel
and the chronograph’s center wheel. Although this construction
is complicated, it fulfills its task admirably. However, it increases
the moved mass of the split-seconds wheel and necessitates an
increase in the thickness of the movement.
These minor shortcomings didn’t prevent Patek Philippe
from regularly selling out Reference 5004’s entire production,
which totaled about a dozen units each year. A customer who
wanted one had to wait several years for delivery – despite a
steep retail price. Beginning in 2009, Patek Philippe gradually
stopped using Lémania ébauches, ending this chapter in Patek’s
split-seconds history.
Reference 5004, with
caliber CHR 27-70/150,
was introduced in 1996.
Reference 1436, from
1950, in yellow gold
(movement no. 867.847)
August 2012 WatchTime 59