Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more
Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch with pink dial

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, RETAILED BY SERPICO Y LAINO, CARACAS, REF. 1463, MOVEMENT NO. 868'410, CASE NO. 672'773, MANUFACTURED IN 1952

Details
Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch with pink dial
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, retailed by Serpico y Laino, Caracas, ref. 1463, movement no. 868'410, case no. 672'773, manufactured in 1952
Cal. 13''' nickel-finished lever movement, 23 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, metal dust cover, pink dial, applied pink gold baton and Roman numerals, outer railway five minute divisions and tachymetre scale, two subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30 minutes register, circular water-resistant-type case, screw back, two round chronograph buttons in the band, 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle, case and dial signed by maker and retailer, movement signed by maker
35 mm. diam.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Dr. Nathalie Monbaron
Dr. Nathalie Monbaron

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Lot Essay

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with tachometer scale in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 17 September 1953.

Doubtlessly one of the most attractive reference 1463 models to be offered in public in recent years, its desirability resides in the exclusive combination of the pink gold case and the highly attractive pink dial featuring the faded "ghost-signature" Serpico y Laino Caracas and retailer's stamp "S.&L. 18K" on the outside of the case back. It is for the first time that the present watch is offered at public auction.

According to research, no more than five examples of pink gold references 1463 fitted with pink dials retailed by Patek Philippe's distinguished agent Serpico y Laino in Caracas, Venezuela, have appeared in public to date. However whereas two examples are fitted with a pulsometre scale and two further examples either with Arabic 12 and 6 or Roman 12 and 6 combined with dot numerals, the present watch is the only known example featuring Roman 12 and 6 and elongated baton numerals inbetween.

Few references mirror in such complete manner the buzz of the post war years as reference 1463 does. In fact, the combination of a sporty case featuring a screw back and water-resisting chronograph pushers and the immense prestige of a Patek Philippe chronograph perfectly displays how outdoor activities became a hobby of a wealthy clientele. On top of that, few places inspire imagination to the extent that the 1950s Caracas does. Consequently, "pink on pink" Patek Philippe chronographs retailed by Serpico y Laino are considered by many collectors the perfect witness of a past era.

Since the retailers names were rarely in raised hard enamel like Patek Philippe's signature and the outer scales, it is not uncommon that with time these distinguished names have faded. However, close examination reveals clearly identifiable traces which add to this chronograph's historical feel. Fortunately, the case has not seen much wear or polishing and consequently, not only survived with crisp edges but also reveals today a sharp hallmark between the winder and the lower chronograph button but most importantly a lovely "S.&L. 18K" on the case back.

Reference 1463 was launched in 1940 and remained in production until 1965. The majority was cased in yellow gold; examples in pink gold and with the additional rare feature of a pink dial are exceedingly rare and were often reserved for the South American market, like the present watch.

The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 267.

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