Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 869'188 Case No: 2'647'881 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Gay Frères bracelet max length 215mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Gay Frères deployant clasp stamped 2.66 Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, bracelet clasp further stamped GF Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Extract of the Archive confirming date of manufacture in 1968 and subsequent date of sale on 31st July 1969, outer box and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 1463 is an incredibly versatile piece depending on its case metal and dial configuration. The present example in yellow gold with a no frills tachymeter scale and beautiful period correct Gay Frères mesh bracelet perfectly fills the divide between sporty and casual making it a somewhat sporty chic timepiece almost ten years before the Nautilus was launched!
Since its launch in 1940, the desirability of the reference 1463 has only grown stronger amongst the collector community. Today, the historic reference remains even more popular than it was at the time of its inception. Reference 1463 was ahead of its time. It is the only vintage chronograph model by Patek Philippe, along with the mythical reference 1563, fitted with a water-resistant case and round chronograph pushers.
Manufactured up util approximately 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers.
The last generation of the 1463s, like the present watch from 1968, 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.
The present watch has a retailer stock number etched beneath a lug and another stock number is etched on the clasp. Both numbers end with the code letter "Z", meaning Zurich, leading us to believe that the bracelet and watch were bought in two separate stores but within the same city.
In overall very attractive condition with a strong case and clean dial with crisp raised enamel script, the its modern and sleek design of reference 1463 embodies the genetic code of vintage Patek Philippe timepieces: craftsmanship, elegance and sophistication. This example offers unparalleled beauty and exclusivity, deserving of a prominent position in any collection of distinction.
Furthermore, with a manufacture date of 1968, the present watch is amongst one of the very last 1463s made.
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.
