The present reference 1463 must be considered to be not only one of the intellectually most interesting to come to the auction market in recent years, but also aesthetically most appealing and best preserved examples we can possibly think of. Having been made in 1942, it is one of the absolute earliest references 1463 ever made, and particularly early for yellow gold examples, which were introduced after the steel version was already in production. Scholars will be amazed to see the very early smooth surface angular bezel, a design element shortly after the making of this watch abandoned for the sake of the better known stepped version.

The present example's dial is, without exaggeration, a work of art as we can hardly remember a two-tone dial of such intensity, featuring tones of grey, beige and silver at once. The overall condition of the present "Tasti Tondi" is so incredibly good and original that it makes perfect sense to wonder if the watch has actually ever seen wear or polishing in over seventy years. The hard enamel signature and scales is equally crisp and untouched as are the facets, angles, and hallmarks of the case.

A Patek Philippe chronograph of such beauty, and rarity, but also wearability, is an extremely rare appearance on the market, and should not be missed, especially when offered today at a price level of many contemporary watches without comparable beauty and exclusivity.