Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 867'666
    Case No: 653'526
    Model Name: "Tasti Tondi"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with Breguet numerals in 1949 and its subsequent sale on May 22, 1950

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1463 is one of the most popular vintage chronograph wristwatches on the market today. One of the very few vintage Patek Philippe chronograph references fitted with a water-resistant case (the others being the obscure ref. 3651 and the equally uncommon ref. 1563 - the latter in fact being a 1463 with split-second movement), its robust case proportions, oversized chronograph pushers and the fact it is the closest thing to a sport chronograph made by the brand in vintage times have propelled the model to the apex of collecting. Indeed, the model was a "sportier" alternative to the less robust reference 130.

    Amongst the rarest and most desirable variations of reference 1463 chronographs are those cased in stainless steel, already considered as belonging in a different echelon than their precious metal siblings. The case is in this instance made by the étanche case specialist Frères Borges - the FB mark well noticeable inside the caseback. Intriguingly, FB was the inventor of the first waterproof watch case (patented in 1892) and was so well known that when competitor Taubert purchased them in 1924, they still kept the FB mark as it was indissolubly associated with high quality cases.

    Fresh to the auction market, the present piece elevates itself above and beyond a “normal” steel 1463, as it features a Breguet numerals dial. No more than two dozen examples are known featuring this exclusive configuration - an astoundingly exiguous number, considering that the reference was in production for approximately 29 years. Such rarity is coupled with the enormous attractiveness given by the flamboyant design of the numerals, which are in contrast with the sportier ethos of the watch but at the same time - possibly exactly due to this contrast - end up proving themselves a perfect complement - even an exaltation - of the overall aesthetics of the piece.

    Furthermore, the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives realises the collector's ultimate dream as it confirms the Breguet numerals and it goes on to state that the Breguet numerals are in steel - a detail normally not found on other Breguet 1463. Normally, numerals are in white gold - especially the complex Breguet ones - as gold is much easier to work with. The fact that steel numerals are used on a steel case shows to incredible length Patek Philippe went to ensure the absolute homogeneity of the watch’s aesthetics. The dial is most notably is preserved in lovely and fully original condition, with all its original engraved/enameled graphics perfectly preserved and without scratches to mar its surface. Only a subtle ivory patina hints at the passage of time, amplifying the vintage appeal of this masterpiece.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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164

Ref. 1463
An incredibly attractive, very rare and highly important stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with Breguet numerals

1949
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF300,000 - 600,000 
€311,000-623,000
$330,000-659,000

Sold for CHF444,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023