Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 867'779 Case No: 653'498 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe clasp stamped "3 54" Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from The Archives dated September 23, 2021 confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on July 28, 1950
Catalogue Essay
Since its launch in 1940, the desirability of the reference 1463 has only grown stronger amongst the collector community. Today, this historic reference is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after and collectible vintage chronograph models ever made by any brand. This most likely is because Reference 1463 was well ahead of its time when launched. It is one of the very few chronograph models by Patek Philippe fitted with a water-resistant case, and the round chronograph pushers grant it an unmistakable look which is both sporty and dressy at the same time. The majority of reference 1463 watches were cased in yellow gold, although some were cased in steel and even more scarce were examples in pink gold, like the present lot.
Rarely has a timepiece appeared so different depending on the case material. Models in yellow gold have an old world charm, those in steel are sporty yet restrained whereas the models in pink gold are warm and exotic.
Few examples of Patek Philippe's landmark reference 1463 watches have such presence on the wrist, and the present pink gold example is even more powerful and charismatic due to its wonderfully preserved case, maintaining intact all its complex architecture based on steps, edges, and contrast between satin and polished finishes. The dial as well is preserved exceptionally well with all enamel printing remaining intact, it boasts a warm ivory hue, displaying how dials can age with grace.
Offered by an important private collector, this watch made its last public appearance at Phillips Geneva in 2017. Since then, it has been upgraded with an incredibly attractive, period-correct and extremely rare - in fact it is a collectible on its own - pink gold Patek Philippe bracelet, boosting the aesthetic appeal of the ensemble to galactic levels.
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.
