Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1950 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 867'889 Case No: 660'161 Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, 13''' Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle, signed PPC Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories:Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with applied Breguet markers in steel in 1950 and its subsequent sale on March 28th, 1951 Literature: The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 267.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463 is the only vintage Patek Philippe chronograph model with a screw-back and round pushers (together with its ultra rare sister model reference 1563 featuring split-seconds). It would probably be slightly exaggerated to call the “tasti tondi” (Italian for round pushers) a sport’s watch but Patek Philippe certainly aimed at an active clientele who would use their chronograph also in outdoor activities. This stainless steel version most probably best epitomises the original concept of this reference and to many the Breguet numeral version is the most attractive and desirable. The example here comes not only in extraordinary condition, but its dial is also confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. While one of the world’s most collectable vintage wristwatches and consequently very valuable, the steel reference 1463 can be comfortably worn daily thanks to its robust case design and very discreet looks.
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.