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.