Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1958 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 869'012 Case No: 2'615'196 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped Patek-Philippe Dimensions: 34.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold in 1958 and its subsequent sale on 20 February 1961.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463, along with the mythical reference 1563, is the only vintage, water resistant chronograph wristwatch that Patek Philippe produced. Manufactured from approximately 1940 to 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers. When the reference was introduced, it was decidedly more robust than its sibling, reference 130, and reflected society's tastes and needs for a more robust wristwatch. Incredibly fitting, given the war years and a rising need for a relatively "sportier" watch.
The model has seen a variety of designs to the numerals, dial and hands. The most classic examples were cased in yellow gold, with a handful of watches cased in steel and pink gold. Like reference 2508 and 2509, the cases were supplied by Taubert, the indisputable specialist in creating waterproof cases for wristwatches and pocketwatches.
This particular example features a railway track, also known as chemin de fer, along with Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. Manufactured in 1958, the present watch is a second series example, evidenced by the heavier lugs, unsigned original crown and slightly thinner bezel compared to first generation examples. Later examples would not feature the railway track, and early examples are particularly collectible.
The dial is preserved exceptionally well, and all enamel printing remains intact. It boasts a warm ivory hue, displaying how dials can age with so much charm and charisma. The case displays strong proportions and a very strong hallmark next to the pusher. It furthermore retains its original buckle, adding another element of surprise and delight to the most classic rendition of reference 1463.
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.