Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 1463
    Movement No: 867'410
    Case No: 653'471
    Model Name: "Tasti Tondi"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels, stamped "HOX"
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1463, along with the mythical reference 1563, is the only vintage, water resistant chronograph wristwatch that Patek Philippe produced. Manufactured from approximately 1940 to 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers. When the reference was introduced, it was decidedly more robust than its sibling, reference 130, reflecting society’s evolving tastes and needs given the war years and a rising demand for a relatively "sportier" watch.

    The model has seen a variety of designs to the numerals, dial and hands. The most classic examples were cased in yellow gold, with a handful of watches cased in steel and pink gold. Like reference 2508 and 2509, the cases were supplied by Taubert, the indisputable specialist in creating waterproof cases for wristwatches and pocketwatches.

    This particular example is extremely collectible both due to its configuration, historical interest, and condition as well. Among the different indexes found on this reference, one can usually see dot applied indexes, lozenge-shaped indexes, or short and wide baton indexes. There are however some other more rare variations such as thin and short baton indexes, and the present highly elusive extra-long thin indexes, immediately recognisable as the tips of the indexes at 1 and 11 o’clock practically touch the Patek Philippe signature. An other similar example, albeit in pink gold, was sold by Phillips in Geneva in November 2017. It is interest to point out how that example as well was made in 1948.

    The year 1948 adds historical relevance to the piece, as it is around this time that Patek Philippe introduces the short signature (without “& Co”) to their dials. This is then one of the very first dial to bear the signature which is still in use today.

    Finally, the condition of the piece are extremely honest and attractive: the dial is in superb condition, fully unrestored, and featuring and extremely subtle and equally charming off-white patina. The case is full, retaining strong proportions and definition.

    Given the interest of the market in sport’s chronograph and the fact that this is practically the only vintage Patek Philippe sport’s chronograph model, and this example is furthermore in excellent condition and featuring a rare configuration, one can see how this piece would be a keystone acquisition for any important Patek Philippe collection.

  • 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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194

Ref. 1463
A rare and extremely fine yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with round pushers and screw back

1948
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€92,700-185,000
$109,000-219,000

Sold for CHF143,750

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020