Patek Philippe reference 1463, known to collectors as “Tasti Tondi” (round buttons), was first introduced to the market 1940 and distinguished itself from previous chronographs by the brand in a number of meaningful ways. Chronographs by Patek Philippe prior to the introduction of reference 1463 were made with snap backs and square pushers, whereas the 1463 was made with a screw down back and round pushers. These changes were significant in that they meant the 1463 was water resistant, a detail that would not be lost on clients who were active and wanted a watch that would serve them well in their lives both inside and outside the boardroom.

Reference 1463 is sporty, elegant, and highly collectible. Manufactured mostly in 18k yellow gold, small numbers of the watch were also in made in steel and 18k rose gold. The present lot, in 18k rose gold, was manufactured in 1951 and sold on October 23rd 1952 with raised gold hour markers. The watch was retailed by Serpico y Laino in Caracas, Venezuela and purchased in 1952 by a grateful patient and presented to the original owner, a physician in Caracas, as a token of his appreciation. Consigned for auction by the son of the original owner, the watch has remained with the original family since 1952 and was always cherished. Enjoyed by the original owner regularly for years, the watch has developed and exceptional patina and impresses with its perfect and sharp hallmarks, unpolished case, very rare two tone dial and of course, a “SyL” stamped caseback.

This magnificent “Tasti Tondi” is presented in as found original condition, with pride. In fact, the son of the original owner remembers being a young boy, overwhelmed by the beauty of the watch and absolutely fascinated by starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph which his father allowed without limitation. This regular attention from a young boy, coupled with the very practical use of a chronograph by a physician meant that the signature round pushers were engaged quite often. So often in fact that the start/stop pusher has lost its end cap due to regular wear and tear, a detail which remains, preserving the history and the romance of an incredible family heirloom.

If a fresh to market “Tasti Tondi” in 18k rose gold is note worthy, then a fresh to market “Tasti Tondi” in 18k rose gold with unpolished case and two tone dial retailed by Serpico y Laino from the son of the original owner is likely to cause quite a bit of excitement, and, well deserved.

From the Original Family
"My father was a good man, excellent man really, solid principles, honest, human, hard worker.


For his inclination to serve and help other without expecting anything in return he became a Doctor.

Shortly after graduating, 1950's, he attended a patient who was so grateful for the treatment received that he gave him a watch, that watch was "our" Patek Philippe, ref. 1463, movement number 868,200.

I say "our" because the watch was part of the family forever, beyond the material value, for him and us, the watch have had an enormous sentimental value, he always look at it with pride for the satisfaction of the origin of the gift: to help others without expecting anything in return and with that example he instill in us those solid values.

My father not only adored but took care of his watch, It never got wet it, I don’t remember it was never repaired, never a damage, if he was going to do something manual he took it off, for him it was a great satisfaction to show me how the chronometer worked and I loved as a child to see how the needle returned at 12 when pressing the pushers, it is an unforgettable memory for my emotion to see that and his face of satisfaction sharing with me those magical moments even teaching me to do it with delicacy.

I always remember and I liked how friends and family at meetings praised his nice watch, however, for him, the greatest pride in wearing it was knowing that it was the reward for the duty fulfilled.

My father was a noble, loyal, consistent, honest, and hardworking man, passionate about his family and friends, he loved to receive them in our home, to attend to them generously and always accompanied by his beloved watch on his wrist, he always looked very elegant.

When my father passed away, my mother waited for me in our home with the watch in her hands and gave it to me with great devotion, I take care of it, today with mixed feelings I deliver it so that its new owner takes care of it and values it for all that this watch has meant to us for 3 generations. With the resources obtained I will complete in my father's name a beautiful family cycle.

Thank you."