Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 860'094
    Case No: 625'766
    Model Name: Tasti Tondi
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black calf strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch with tachometer scale in 1942 and its subsequent sale on July 5th, 1945.
    Literature: For another example of the stainless steel 1463 see, John Goldberger book, “Patek Philippe Steel Watches”, p. 281.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Within the vintage collecting community, there are trophy timepieces considered to be the pinnacle of any collection, and the Patek Philippe reference 1463 chronograph is worthy of this designation. Released in 1941, and produced for the next 25 years, the model was the first and only waterproof chronograph wristwatch produced by Patek Philippe. One can say that reference 1463 was Patek Philippe’s first sports chronograph designed for a modern society with an increasing interest in outdoor activities, and even for industrial use in scientific and medical environments due to a second inner case which shielded the movement against magnetism.

    The present example is fresh to the market, coming directly from the family of the original owner. Accompanied with a letter from the consignor, its original owner was an accomplished officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps, having participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II, having flown elements of the 101st airborne into Sainte Mère-Èglise. An officer and a gentleman, he always purchased the absolute best products he could afford, wearing this watch faithfully, and would only have it serviced at Patek Philippe in Geneva knowing that the higher cost was worth it to ensure the best possible performance.

    The case, made by Taubert Frères, features noteworthy design elements seen only on the earliest production examples, produced until approximately 1943. The differences are remarkable compared with later examples. Its lugs are shorter and thinner, extending out from the case, compared to the downturned lugs found on later examples. The stepped bezel is also unique to these early versions, rising higher than the bezels found on regular production examples.

    A charismatic collector’s watch, this early, lovingly cared for timepiece is an extraordinary find and a worthy addition to a collection of distinction.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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907

Ref. 1463
An early and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tachometer scale

1942
35mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000 
€174,000-348,000
$200,000-400,000

Sold for HK$2,000,000

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017