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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie, original fitted box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial, raised hour markers in steel and tachometer scale in 1946 and its subsequent sale on 20 June 1947.
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 hasn't 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. Introduced in 1940, it has seen a number of improvements and changes to its shape in the years to follow. The earliest case type featured a more prominent but rather rounded bezel whereas later examples, such as the present, were fitted with more angular, stepped bezel designs. The lugs also saw an interesting development from the straighter to the prominent, curved "feet" of later generations.
Often worn by their original owners and consequently regularly serviced and polished, many examples of this iconic and noble sports watch have not survived without visible traces of use. Consequently, examples preserved in such attractive overall condition such as the present specimen are exceedingly rare. Its case shows beautiful and rich proportions, most obvious are the well-preserved edges of its bezel and lugs. The overall look of this beautiful timepiece is enhanced by the eye-catching dial, unrestored with beautifully raised hard enamel signatures and scales, displaying a great shine as the connoisseur would expect. The fact that only around ten other 1463s are known with such a dial configuration obviously adds enormously to its appeal and collectibility.
To further elevate this reference 1463 into the elite of this milestone model one must mention its provenance. In fact, it has remained for all its life in the original owner's family until 2011 when it was auctioned in a small auction house in Sweden. After three years in one of Europe's finest collections, it is now only for the second time that this exceptionally appealing example is offered at auction.
This highly charismatic example of a "tasti tondi" as this model is lovingly described by collectors (Italian for round pushers), still retaining the original certificate and box, must be considered as a highly desirable trophy for any collector.
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.
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 hasn't 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. Introduced in 1940, it has seen a number of improvements and changes to its shape in the years to follow. The earliest case type featured a more prominent but rather rounded bezel whereas later examples, such as the present, were fitted with more angular, stepped bezel designs. The lugs also saw an interesting development from the straighter to the prominent, curved "feet" of later generations.
Often worn by their original owners and consequently regularly serviced and polished, many examples of this iconic and noble sports watch have not survived without visible traces of use. Consequently, examples preserved in such attractive overall condition such as the present specimen are exceedingly rare. Its case shows beautiful and rich proportions, most obvious are the well-preserved edges of its bezel and lugs. The overall look of this beautiful timepiece is enhanced by the eye-catching dial, unrestored with beautifully raised hard enamel signatures and scales, displaying a great shine as the connoisseur would expect. The fact that only around ten other 1463s are known with such a dial configuration obviously adds enormously to its appeal and collectibility.
To further elevate this reference 1463 into the elite of this milestone model one must mention its provenance. In fact, it has remained for all its life in the original owner's family until 2011 when it was auctioned in a small auction house in Sweden. After three years in one of Europe's finest collections, it is now only for the second time that this exceptionally appealing example is offered at auction.
This highly charismatic example of a "tasti tondi" as this model is lovingly described by collectors (Italian for round pushers), still retaining the original certificate and box, must be considered as a highly desirable trophy for any collector.
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.