Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1953 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 868'673 Case No: 684'688 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed by maker, caseback signed by retailer Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 with applied gold hour markers and tachymetric scale and its subsequent sale on March 12, 1955
Catalogue Essay
The reference 1463 is one of the most popular vintage chronograph wristwatches on the market today and is even more favored than it was at the time of production, due to its robust case proportions and oversized chronograph pushers. Manufactured from approximately 1940 to 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers.
The two tone dial is preserved in superb condition with strong contrast between the outer silver section and the cream colored centre. It also features incredibly strong enamel graphics, with the "accent" strong and apparent above the Patek Philippe Genève signature. There are no losses to the enamel, attesting to the completely untouched condition of the dial.
176 yellow gold reference 1463 models were known up till today and only 17 of them with a two tone silver dial. Only two examples of the reference 1463 are known with the Fab. Suisse signature indicating that the watch was intended for the French market, this is confirmed by the JG hallmark on the caseback. JG stands for Jean Guillermin, a prominent French Patek Philippe retailer of the time.
One could furthermore easily wax lyrical about the case which features two sharp hallmarks on the back of the lug and in between the pushers. The bezel retains its strong definition and even the crown remains original.
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.
Ref. 1463 An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with "Fab Suisse" two-tone dial and French import hallmarks, retailed by Guillermin
1953 35mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed by maker, caseback signed by retailer