It is safe to say that Patek Philippe’s reference 1463 chronograph is considered by collectors as one of the most attractive and utterly bombastic vintage chronographs of our times. The desirability of this reference is taken one step further by the present model thanks to the addition of the its Certificate of Origin - an enormous rarity in itself.

Reference 1463 was first launched in 1940, and production continued for approximately 25 years. It was the first and only waterproof chronograph produced by Patek Philippe featuring a screw-back case and round pump pushers.

While each featured a ten-sided screw back case and playful rounded chronograph-pushers, known as "Tasti Tondi" in Italian, there were many dial variations. The present example features a beautiful silvered dial with a "long" signature, applied raised steel markers, subsidiary dials, and railway track.

Its overall condition is incredible, with an immaculate case retaining a crisp finishing, with thick lugs and a sharp bezel. The wonderful state of preservation suggests the watch was hardly worn, and lovingly cared for over its long history.

To further add to the prestige of the present watch is its provenance. It first appeared on the auction market in 2011, when it was auctioned by the family of the original owner. Since then, it was auctioned in 2014 where it largely surpassed its auction estimate. It has since then slept in a safe of a highly important collector, only to reappear at auction after a decade.

This remarkable stainless steel example combines so many desirable elements sought after by collectors, making it a worthy addition for a world-class collection of complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches.