Since its launch in 1940, the desirability of the reference 1463 has only grown stronger amongst the collector community. Today, the historic reference remains even more popular than it was at the time of its inception. Reference 1463 was ahead of its time. It is the only vintage chronograph model by Patek Philippe fitted with a water-resistant case and round chronograph pushers. The majority of this Reference was cased in yellow gold, although some were cased in steel and even more scarce were examples in pink gold. Amongst the rarest and most desirable reference 1463 chronographs are those bearing a prestigious retailer’s signature on their dials. The present lot is an exceptionally rare example of such a watch as it is the only example known to feature the signature of the legendary jeweler “Cartier” on its dial. Made in 1968 at a time when slim time only models were having collectors' favors, we believe that the present watch was a special order and is part of the very last two ref 1463 made before Patek Philippe discontinued this model.

Previously unknown to the community, it is absolutely fresh to the market, coming from the estate of the original owner who purchased the watch from Cartier’s historic New York mansion on 5th Avenue in the late 1960s.
Cartier was founded in 1847 and has since been regarded as the “jeweler of Kings and the King of jewelers”. Cartier is not only known for their magnificent jewelry, but also for pioneering iconic wristwatches of their own. In fact, in 1904 the firm created the first men’s wristwatch with integrated lugs for the Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Over time, Cartier has matured from family ownership to becoming a crown jewel of its parent company - Compagnie Financière Richemont. Few examples of Patek Philippe’s landmark reference 1463 watches have such a presence on the wrist. The yellow gold example presented here combines many highly desirable elements. The gold case, hour markers and hands all pair very well with the warm silvered dial. The dial is in beautiful condition for a watch of its age, and the signature and scales are all incredibly crisp, well defined and in untouched raised black hard enamel. Few complicated vintage wristwatches can better echo the style of the 1950s than a gold reference 1463. Its owner has worn this watch lovingly over the course of its life, even accompanied with its original Cartier strap and gold Cartier deployant buckle from the day it was sold, adding to its already rich history. The exceptionally rare retailer’s signature of “Cartier” makes this the ‘cherry on top’ for collectors of the finest timepieces.