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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1952
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 868'420
    Case No: 672'771
    Model Name: "Tasti Tondi - Serpico Y Laino"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe alligator strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed by maker; dial and case further signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by two Patek Philippe Extracts from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with tachymetric scale in 1952 and its subsequent sale on June 1, 1953.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The legendary reference 1463 is a pure chronograph wristwatch distinguished by its round pushers (in Italian “tasti tondi”, which became its nickname) and, most importantly, its waterproof case. Launched in 1940 and remaining in production until 1965 it was made mainly in yellow gold, with fewer examples in stainless steel and very few examples in pink gold.

    The rarity and collectability of the present watch is however a few steps beyond that of a “standard” pink gold Tasti Tondi. Indeed, it also feature a salmon dial - making this a pink-on-pink, or “PoP”, example - furthermore bearing a sublime and very notable two-tone finish. Piling onto to this already breathtaking configuration, the watch is furthermore retailed by Serpico Y Latino, as it proudly declares both with the extended signature on the dial, and also with an extremely crisp S&L monogram to the caseback. A real “tour-de-force” of rare traits that makes this example one of the most interesting 1463 to appear on the market to date and one of only 4 Serpico-retailed, two-tone PoP examples so far known.

    In fact, long time collectors might remember the piece from the last time it appeared at auction: more then 30 years ago in 1990. It is an honour for Phillips to bring back this lost treasure after three decades of absence from the scenes.

    The concept of a “sports watch” is well-known today, but 80 years ago, it was a novel idea with elegant and gentlemanly timepieces worn by businessmen, and captains of industry displaying their social status.

    Beginning in the late-1930s, there was a growing appreciation in society for sports and outdoor adventures, and watch manufacturers sought to fulfil a demand for more durable timepieces that could withstand rigorous use. The reference 1463 was designed for such active clientele as the sportier alternative to the less robust reference 130 chronograph. 

Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 1463 is one of the most sought after and collectible vintage chronograph wristwatches due to its modern case proportions and prominent chronograph pushers. The model has grown in desirability as a vintage horological icon that was ahead of its time.

    Preserved in wonderful original condition of both case and dial, the present example is one of the most important specimens of this hallowed reference.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ175

Ref. 1463
An exceptionally attractive, rare and important pink gold chronograph with two-tone pink gold dial and round pushers, retailed by Serpico y Laino

1952
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, buckle and strap signed by maker; dial and case further signed by retailer

Estimate
CHF250,000 - 500,000 
€260,000-519,000
$275,000-550,000

Sold for CHF457,200

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