Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1966 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 869'211 Case No: 2'647'871 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold pin buckle signed PPCo Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1966 and its sale on March 3, 1967
Catalogue Essay
The reference 1463 is the only vintage waterproof simple chronograph wristwatch ever produced by Patek Philippe. Fitted with a screw down case back and round pushers, the cases were made by Frères Borgel as evidenced by the ‘FB’ hallmark inside the case back. Interestingly, the inside caseback is further engraved ‘Vacuum’, illustrating the waterproof capability of the case design.
Produced for three decades, between the 1940s through to the 1970s, the last generation of the 1463s, like the present watch from 1966, is distinguished by the omission of the outer railway track, also known as chemin de fer, what collectors describe as the two or three concentric black circles connected by minute or even fifth of the seconds markings. The dial of the present watch features only one black circle outside the contemporary faceted hour markers, lending the watch a look that has survived way into the 1990s.
Preserved in exceptional condition, the present lot is one the finest yellow gold 1463s to appear on the market in recent years. The case retains most its original factory finish, sharp definition on the bezel and the lugs, and a crisp hallmark at 6 o’clock. With its modern and sleek design, reference 1463 embodies the genetic code of vintage Patek Philippe timepieces: craftsmanship, elegance and sophistication. This remarkable example offers unparalleled beauty and exclusivity, deserving of a prominent position in any collection of distinction.
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.