Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 868'950
    Case No: 698'854
    Model Name: Tasti Tondi
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1959 with tachymeter, and its subsequent sale on November 13th, 1959.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 1463 is one of the most sought after and collectible vintage chronograph wristwatches due to its strong case proportions and prominent chronograph pushers. First released in 1940, the model was the brand’s first water resistant chronograph fitted with a screw-down caseback and round chronograph pushers. The model has grown in desirability as a vintage horological icon that was ahead of its time.

    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 fulfill a demand for more durable timepieces, which could withstand the outdoor elements. The reference 1463 was designed for such active clientele as the sportier alternative to the less robust reference 130 chronograph. It was produced mainly in yellow gold, with fewer examples in stainless steel, and very few models in pink gold. To date, no more than 64 examples cased in this material have appeared on the market, underscoring the absolute rarity of the present timepiece.

    The case of the present example is in wonderful condition, displaying a crisp hallmark on the central case band. Having recently undergone a Patek Philippe service, the watch is in the identical state of preservation since its factory service. The case features the stepped bezel and downturned curved lugs found on later generations, while the dial is exceptionally well preserved with all raised enamel printing remaining perfectly intact. The reference 1463 is a landmark model, and this example from the distinguished private collection of Dr. Theodore Isaac Rubin is a powerful and charismatic chronograph that is sure to please the most discerning collector.

  • 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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Ref. 1463
A very rare and well-preserved pink gold chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter scale

1959
34.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF183,000-367,000
€170,000-339,000
HK$1,550,000-3,100,000

Sold for $252,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020