Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1949 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 867’781 Case No: 657’116 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13”’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35 mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with applied Breguet numerals, tachometer-scale in 1949 and its subsequent sale on September 29th, 1950 Literature: The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 267.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463, along with the split seconds reference 1563, is the only vintage, water resistant chronograph wristwatch that Patek Philippe produced. The case was designed by Frères Borgel, Taubert & Fils when the company was known in the late 19th century as one of Geneva's finest case makers specializing in water-resisting cases. Manufactured from approximately 1940 to 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers.
Close inspection and research reveals that the present watch was originally sold in the United States, confirmed by the HOX export mark on the balance bridge of the movement but also by the tachymetre calibrated in miles rather than kilometers, a rare feature reserved for Patek Philippe chronographs intended for the U.S. market.
The overall look of this beautiful timepiece with the raised hard enameled signatures and scales is further enhanced with the elusive Breguet numerals, making it one of the most desirable configuration which is highly sought after by collectors. According to research, so far only 17 known other pieces in yellow gold with Breguet numerals dial are known in the market which adds enormously to its appeal and collectability.
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.