Lot Essay
The desirability of the reference 1463, Patek Philippe’s only vintage chronograph with a ‘water-resistant’ case and round chronograph pushers, has never ceased. Around 400 pieces were made in yellow gold from which 160 pieces are known to the market. Considered one the most beautifully designed chronographs of the mid-20th century, reference 1463 is Patek Philippe's regular production vintage chronograph model (aside from the 1563) with screw back case and round pushers.
Fresh to market and from the family of the original owner, the overall look of this resplendent timepiece with two-tone dial leaves no doubt that reference 1463 in yellow gold is one of Patek Philippe’s all-time classics and one of the ultimate vintage chronographs for the collector to own.
Abram David Reynolds was a senior executive at the Reynolds Metals Company (company founded by his father) which was one of the largest aluminum companies in the United States, second only to Alcoa. Mr. Reynolds purchased the present timepiece while he was living in London and executive vice president for European operations.
The dial design seen on this watch can be considered one of the great all-time classics of Patek Philippe, in fact after more than 70 years its influence is still seen to this day in the contemporary chronograph collections. Made entirely by hand from Stern Frères, the acknowledged masters of the art of dial making, the two-tone with silvered outer scale and off-white center. Stern Frères had always worked very closely with Patek Philippe being the only company with the know-how to make the perfect dials that were essential for their watches. In fact, Stern Frères dials for complicated watches were reserved almost exclusively for Patek Philippe who were additionally offered the first and exclusive choice on each new design or technique as it was developed.
Reference 1463
Reference 1463, Patek Philippe's only vintage chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers, was produced from 1940 until the mid-1960s. Even though the notion of 'sports watch' is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one relates the model to this term. In fact, for over half a century there hasn't been any other model by Patek Philippe that better exemplifies the needs of a modern society enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during its spare time. In fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case also protects it from humidity and dust.
Fresh to market and from the family of the original owner, the overall look of this resplendent timepiece with two-tone dial leaves no doubt that reference 1463 in yellow gold is one of Patek Philippe’s all-time classics and one of the ultimate vintage chronographs for the collector to own.
Abram David Reynolds was a senior executive at the Reynolds Metals Company (company founded by his father) which was one of the largest aluminum companies in the United States, second only to Alcoa. Mr. Reynolds purchased the present timepiece while he was living in London and executive vice president for European operations.
The dial design seen on this watch can be considered one of the great all-time classics of Patek Philippe, in fact after more than 70 years its influence is still seen to this day in the contemporary chronograph collections. Made entirely by hand from Stern Frères, the acknowledged masters of the art of dial making, the two-tone with silvered outer scale and off-white center. Stern Frères had always worked very closely with Patek Philippe being the only company with the know-how to make the perfect dials that were essential for their watches. In fact, Stern Frères dials for complicated watches were reserved almost exclusively for Patek Philippe who were additionally offered the first and exclusive choice on each new design or technique as it was developed.
Reference 1463
Reference 1463, Patek Philippe's only vintage chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers, was produced from 1940 until the mid-1960s. Even though the notion of 'sports watch' is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one relates the model to this term. In fact, for over half a century there hasn't been any other model by Patek Philippe that better exemplifies the needs of a modern society enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during its spare time. In fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case also protects it from humidity and dust.