Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1942 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 863'047 Case No: 629'719 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' , 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Metal buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1942 and its subsequent sale on November 24, 1944.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463 is one of the most popular vintage chronograph wristwatches on the market today. The model is even more favored than it was at the time of production, due to its robust case proportions and oversized chronograph pushers. Along with the elusive reference 1563, it was the only vintage chronograph model manufactured by Patek Philippe that was fitted with a water-resistant case and round chronograph pushers. The model was a "sportier" alternative to the less robust reference 130.
Consigned by the family of the original Swiss owner, the present watch is an exceptionally preserved example. Featuring impressive proportions, it most notably displays an incredibly crisp hallmark beneath the crown. The dial is preserved in especially impressive condition, and does not display signs of aging or spotting, which is particularly impressive considering its age. As an even nicer touch, all hard enamel graphics are present and raised and the "accent" is incredibly strong and apparent above the Patek Philippe Genève signature. There are no losses to the enamel, attesting to the completely untouched condition of the dial. Considering that the present timepiece has a "short" hard enamel signature, one can hypothesize that it was changed at the retailer before its sale to the original owner.
Such well-preserved and impressive examples hardly ever appear on the market, no less fresh from the family of the original owner.
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.