Patek Philippe. A very rare and highly attractive 18K gold chronograph wristwatch
Patek Philippe. A very rare and highly attractive 18K gold chronograph wristwatch

Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 1463, movement no. 868'936, case no. 698’841, manufactured in 1956

Details
Patek Philippe. A very rare and highly attractive 18K gold chronograph wristwatch
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 1463, movement no. 868'936, case no. 698’841, manufactured in 1956
MOVEMENT: manual, cal. 13''', stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 23 jewels
DIAL: silvered, applied gold baton and Arabic numerals, outer fifths of a second divisions and tachymetre scale, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register
CASE: 18K gold, stepped bezel, screw back, two round chronograph buttons in the band, 34.8 mm. diam.
SIGNED: case, dial, movement
BUCKLE: 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle
ACCOMPANIED BY: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial, 6 and 12 Arabic figures, raised gold indexes and tachometer in 1956 and its subsequent sale on 30 August 1958

Lot Essay

For many years the property of the present owner, unused and safely locked away, this "tasti tondi", Italian for round pushers as this model is lovingly described by collectors, is an extremely well-preserved and charismatic example of this legendary model.

The case has evidently never been subject to careless polishing, consequently displaying full lugs, sharp edges and crisp gold marks. The attractive silvered dial has not undergone any cosmetic enhancement and impresses with beautifully raised hard enamel signature and scales. Over time, it has taken a highly attractive champagne-coloured patina, further enhancing its superb overall look. Last but not least and much to the collector’s delight, this second series reference 1463 still retains the original crown and chronograph pushers.

Since its launch in 1940, the desirability of reference 1463 has never ceased. Destined for a clientele in quest of an elegant yet sporty wristwatch, Patek Philippe's first chronograph model fitted with a water-resistant-type case and round chronograph buttons is as popular today as it was at the time of its introduction.

Reference 1463
Reference 1463 was launched in 1940 and remained in production until 1965, the case undergoing a number of improvements and changes to its shape over the years. The majority was cased in yellow gold, few examples in pink gold and stainless steel.

The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 267, and in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, pp. 268-269.

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