Patek Philippe - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 868’840
    Case No: 660’184
    Model Name: “Tasti Tondi”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’’130, 23 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was manufactured in 1955 and its subsequent sale on 14 March 1957. Furthermore, the watch is offered with its Patek Philippe presentation box, also signed by Freccero Y Cia Montevideo Unicos Agentes.
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 296-297. The model is also illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pg. 267.

  • Catalogue Essay

    We are thrilled and proud to offer this lot, what we believe to be one of the best-preserved examples of a stainless steel Patek Philippe ref. 1463 wristwatch. Since its launch in 1940, the desirability of the reference 1463 has never waned. Alongside its ultra rare sister model, reference 1563, it is the only vintage chronograph model by Patek Philippe fitted with a water-resistant-type case and round chronograph buttons.

    The majority of the acclaimed “Tasti Tondi”, Italian for “round pushers” were cased in yellow gold, with a small number cased in steel and rose gold. For collectors of the finest timepieces, the retailer’s signature of “Freccero” is an added treat for this already rare piece. Freccero & Cia was a prestigious retailer of Patek Philippe watches from Montevideo in Uruguay. This watch is the only example known in stainless steel with applied white gold baton and Arabic hour markers to feature the “Freccero” designation on the dial. The magnificent example presented here comes not only in extraordinary condition, but its dial is also confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

    Few examples of Patek Philippe’s landmark reference 1463 watches have such a presence on the wrist. The stainless steel example here combines many desirable elements that make it a trophy watch to crown a collection of complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches. The case is immaculate, having most probably never been polished over the course of its 60-year life. The lugs are thick, the bezel is perfectly crisp, and the overall condition proves that it must have remained unworn for decades. The two-tone silvered dial positively radiates, with a warm cream color tone in its center. The dial’s hard, raised enamel printing is as crisp and well defined as the day it left the Patek factory, with no signs of restorations or imperfections whatsoever. Completing this chronograph wristwatch is a gorgeous, period stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet, that further enhances its beauty.

    While widely regarded as one of the world’s most collectible vintage timepieces and consequently very valuable, the stainless steel reference 1463 can be comfortably worn daily thanks to its robust case design and very discreet looks.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 1463
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered dial, applied Arabic and baton hour markers, outer tachometer scale and bracelet, retailed by Freccero.

1955
35mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF350,000 - 700,000 

Sold for CHF605,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016