Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 869'187 Case No: 2'647'897 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1968 and its subsequent sale on October 31, 1969.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463 is one of the most popular vintage chronograph wristwatches on the market today. The model is even more favored than it was at the time of production, due to its robust case proportions and oversized chronograph pushers. Along with the elusive reference 1563, it was the only serially produced vintage chronograph model manufactured by Patek Philippe that was fitted with a water-resistant case and round chronograph pushers. The model was a "sportier" alternative to the less robust reference 130.
The present watch is an exceedingly well-preserved example. Displaying a hallmark between the lugs, the watch exhibits powerful lugs and a robust case. The case has developed a light layer of oxidation, showing how it has not seen any intervention for many years. The dial is also preserved in excellent condition with raised enamel graphics that do not display any losses.
Most notably, the dial is stamped with the Tiffany & Co. signature, underscoring its rarity. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is one of only 5 known examples retailed by Tiffany & Co. with this dial configuration. Some of the rarest, most historically important and valuable Patek Philippe wristwatches have been sold through the American retailer Tiffany & Co. Few retailers have had a relationship with Patek Philippe like Tiffany & Co. has. The jeweler has proudly emblazoned its logo on a variety of timepieces and even created special celebratory models for the retailer.
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.
