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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947 and its subsequent sale on 16 January 1948.
Reference 1463, the only vintage Patek Philippe chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers, is without question one of the celebrated manufacturer's most iconic and noble sports watches. Introduced in 1940, the case has seen a number of improvements and changes to its shape over the years to follow. The earliest case type, as the present one, featured a more prominent but rather rounded bezel whereas later examples were fitted with more angular, stepped bezel designs. The lugs also saw an interesting development as they were in earlier examples straighter and did not feature yet the prominent "feet" of later generations. Interestingly, according to the archives of Patek Philippe, this watch did not start life until 1947. It is possible that the case which, according to scholarship, dates to the early 1940's was only completed with the present movement in 1947.
The present reference 1463 appears to be one of only 19 examples known in stainless steel to be fitted with Breguet numerals to appear in public to date. Additionally, the dial also features the prominent "Tiffany & Co." signature, further enhancing its desirability. It is believed that the rare Breguet numeral dials were made mostly for the US market.
To the best of our knowledge, the present watch has never been offered to auction before and is furthermore one of only two known reference 1463 in stainless steel with Breguet numerals and Tiffany & Co. signature. The long-standing and continuing alliance between Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe began in 1851 under the guidance of the companies' owners, Charles Louis Tiffany and Antoine Norbert de Patek. In 1854, Tiffany & Co. began introducing Patek Philippe watches to the American market, including some of the rarest models.
The reference 1463 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wriswatches by M. Huber and A. Banberry, 1988, plate 348, p. 206.
Reference 1463, the only vintage Patek Philippe chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers, is without question one of the celebrated manufacturer's most iconic and noble sports watches. Introduced in 1940, the case has seen a number of improvements and changes to its shape over the years to follow. The earliest case type, as the present one, featured a more prominent but rather rounded bezel whereas later examples were fitted with more angular, stepped bezel designs. The lugs also saw an interesting development as they were in earlier examples straighter and did not feature yet the prominent "feet" of later generations. Interestingly, according to the archives of Patek Philippe, this watch did not start life until 1947. It is possible that the case which, according to scholarship, dates to the early 1940's was only completed with the present movement in 1947.
The present reference 1463 appears to be one of only 19 examples known in stainless steel to be fitted with Breguet numerals to appear in public to date. Additionally, the dial also features the prominent "Tiffany & Co." signature, further enhancing its desirability. It is believed that the rare Breguet numeral dials were made mostly for the US market.
To the best of our knowledge, the present watch has never been offered to auction before and is furthermore one of only two known reference 1463 in stainless steel with Breguet numerals and Tiffany & Co. signature. The long-standing and continuing alliance between Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe began in 1851 under the guidance of the companies' owners, Charles Louis Tiffany and Antoine Norbert de Patek. In 1854, Tiffany & Co. began introducing Patek Philippe watches to the American market, including some of the rarest models.
The reference 1463 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wriswatches by M. Huber and A. Banberry, 1988, plate 348, p. 206.
