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Lot Essay
The desirability of the reference 1463, Patek Philippe’s only vintage chronograph with a ‘water-resistant’ case and round chronograph pushers, has never wavered. A total of around 720 pieces were made in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel. Of the 140 pieces made in pink gold, only fifty-three examples are known publicly today and it is by far the rarest version, often destined for the South American market. As such it is an immense prize for the world-class collector.
Distinguished by outstanding quality and elegance of design, reference 1463 is one of the all-time golden age classics of the company’s mid-century production and is one of the most highly prized vintage Patek Philippe chronographs on the market today. The ownership of a 1463 of any type is already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, the present watch in pink gold is therefore one of the great trophy watches of the reference. The new custodian of this exceptional chronograph will have the honour of beginning the next chapter in its illustrious history.
The Dial
The dial design seen on this watch can be considered one of the great all-time classics of Patek Philippe, in fact after more than 70 years its influence is still seen to this day in the contemporary chronograph collections. Made entirely by hand by Stern Frères, the acknowledged masters of the art of dial making, in excellent condition, it has been restored probably just once since new. Stern Frères had always worked very closely with Patek Philippe being the only company with the know-how to make the perfect dials that were essential for their watches. In fact, Stern Frères dials for complicated watches were reserved almost exclusively for Patek Philippe who were additionally offered the first and exclusive choice on each new design or technique as it was developed.
The Case
Two-piece ‘water-resistant’ with screw-down back, made by Taubert, Geneva master case-maker whose mark of the number 11 within a key is punched on the interior of the back. Overall it is very well preserved with the hallmarks still clearly visible. It retains good lug edges and correct case proportions. Furthermore, the bezel shape is well preserved with sharp steps and the crown and pushers are likely original and period correct.
The Movement
Caliber 13 130, rhodiumed brass, based on a Valjoux 13’’’ ébauche, 23 jewels, 18’000 oscillations, cut bi-metallic compensation balance, swan neck micrometric adjustment. The caliber 13 130, especially and exclusively made for Patek Philippe, was used from 1936 to 1985, a record 50 years, without any changes besides the shape of the main bridge in the first year or two, the micrometric balance regulator was introduced around 1938 on some movements and from around 1940 on all the production of the caliber.
Distinguished by outstanding quality and elegance of design, reference 1463 is one of the all-time golden age classics of the company’s mid-century production and is one of the most highly prized vintage Patek Philippe chronographs on the market today. The ownership of a 1463 of any type is already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, the present watch in pink gold is therefore one of the great trophy watches of the reference. The new custodian of this exceptional chronograph will have the honour of beginning the next chapter in its illustrious history.
The Dial
The dial design seen on this watch can be considered one of the great all-time classics of Patek Philippe, in fact after more than 70 years its influence is still seen to this day in the contemporary chronograph collections. Made entirely by hand by Stern Frères, the acknowledged masters of the art of dial making, in excellent condition, it has been restored probably just once since new. Stern Frères had always worked very closely with Patek Philippe being the only company with the know-how to make the perfect dials that were essential for their watches. In fact, Stern Frères dials for complicated watches were reserved almost exclusively for Patek Philippe who were additionally offered the first and exclusive choice on each new design or technique as it was developed.
The Case
Two-piece ‘water-resistant’ with screw-down back, made by Taubert, Geneva master case-maker whose mark of the number 11 within a key is punched on the interior of the back. Overall it is very well preserved with the hallmarks still clearly visible. It retains good lug edges and correct case proportions. Furthermore, the bezel shape is well preserved with sharp steps and the crown and pushers are likely original and period correct.
The Movement
Caliber 13 130, rhodiumed brass, based on a Valjoux 13’’’ ébauche, 23 jewels, 18’000 oscillations, cut bi-metallic compensation balance, swan neck micrometric adjustment. The caliber 13 130, especially and exclusively made for Patek Philippe, was used from 1936 to 1985, a record 50 years, without any changes besides the shape of the main bridge in the first year or two, the micrometric balance regulator was introduced around 1938 on some movements and from around 1940 on all the production of the caliber.