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Lot Essay
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on November 10th of the same year.
This Reference 1463 was originally sold by the American retailer Brock & Company in Beverly Hills, California in late 1949 for a retail price of $425. The dial of this watch features HOX on the balance bridge confirming it was imported by Henri Stern Agency (Patek Philippe USA) and has a one mile tachometer dial and exquisite Breguet numerals very much catering to the American taste of the era.
Considered one the most beautiful chronographs of the mid-20th century, Reference 1463 is Patek Philippe's only vintage chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers. Even though the notion of "sports watch" is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one associates the stainless steel version of reference 1463 to this term. In fact, for over half a century there has not been any other model by Patek Philippe better exemplifying the needs of a modern, self-confident, booming society which is enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during spare time. As a matter of fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case protects it from humidity and dust.
The overall look of this beautiful timepiece is enhanced by the eye-catching dial with beautifully raised hard enamel signatures and scales, displaying an attractive aging patina as the connoisseur would expect. The fact that only approximately ten other 1463s are known with this exact dial configuration obviously adds enormously to its appeal and collectability.
The present timepiece was first offered at Christie's on May 18th 1998 and sold for 80,500 Swiss francs.
Another example of a stainless steel ref. 1463 chronograph is illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, p. 269, Inv. P-872.
This Reference 1463 was originally sold by the American retailer Brock & Company in Beverly Hills, California in late 1949 for a retail price of $425. The dial of this watch features HOX on the balance bridge confirming it was imported by Henri Stern Agency (Patek Philippe USA) and has a one mile tachometer dial and exquisite Breguet numerals very much catering to the American taste of the era.
Considered one the most beautiful chronographs of the mid-20th century, Reference 1463 is Patek Philippe's only vintage chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers. Even though the notion of "sports watch" is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one associates the stainless steel version of reference 1463 to this term. In fact, for over half a century there has not been any other model by Patek Philippe better exemplifying the needs of a modern, self-confident, booming society which is enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during spare time. As a matter of fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case protects it from humidity and dust.
The overall look of this beautiful timepiece is enhanced by the eye-catching dial with beautifully raised hard enamel signatures and scales, displaying an attractive aging patina as the connoisseur would expect. The fact that only approximately ten other 1463s are known with this exact dial configuration obviously adds enormously to its appeal and collectability.
The present timepiece was first offered at Christie's on May 18th 1998 and sold for 80,500 Swiss francs.
Another example of a stainless steel ref. 1463 chronograph is illustrated and described in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, p. 269, Inv. P-872.