Beginning in the late 1930s, there was a growing appreciation in society for sports and outdoor pursuits. Watch manufacturers sought to fulfill a demand for more durable timepieces, which could withstand the elements. The reference 1463 was designed for such active clientele as the sportier alternative to the less robust reference 130 chronograph. It was produced mainly in yellow gold, with fewer examples in stainless steel and pink gold. How telling, that even in the pursuit of creating a sports watch, Patek Philippe still decided to focus production on precious metals.

In production from 1940 through 1965, the reference 1463 saw a stunning array of dial types. The present is amongst the most refined and legible, with small dash hour indexes and Arabic numerals. The significant proportions and gently curved lugs, combined with the whimsically carved round pushers has made the 1463 a perennial favorite amongst collectors.

Fresh to the auction market, this 1463 features a two-tone dial originally designed for enhanced legibility. Of the 176 yellow gold reference 1463 models known, only approximately 18 examples have been found fitted with a two-tone silver dial. The case features two strong hallmarks on the back of the lug and in between the pushers, making this example an attractive example for the connoisseur.