Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 868'410 Case No: 672'773 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold PPCo. pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, dial further signed Serpico y Laino Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 17 September 1953. Literature: A similar example of this reference is illustrated in Patek Philippe Genève by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, page 267
Catalogue Essay
The present Patek Philippe reference 1463 chronograph irradiates with elegance, class and sheer refinement with its large perfect pink gold case and shimmering pink dial.
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.
According to research, only four examples of pink gold references 1463 fitted with pink dials retailed by Serpico y Laino have appeared in public to date. Two examples are fitted with a tachymeter scale and Arabic numerals, one with Roman numerals at 12 and 6 with elongated baton indexex and a pulsometer scale and the other, the present watch, with Roman numerals, elongated baton indexes and tachymeter scale.
When the present watch appeared at auction in 2010, the Serpico y Laino signature was somewhat rubbed off. This is explained by the fact that the retailer signature was not in hard enamel like the scales and the Patek Philippe signature.
The gentleman having purchased the watch obviously had taste, knowledge, experience and a sharp eye. He decided to bring the watch back to its former glory without undermining its originality. The zapon (protective lacquer) having aged was removed and reapplied. Furthermore, the Serpico y Laino signature was reapplied in its exact original size and font which was no easy feat, as few artisans have the know-how and expertise to undertake this delicate and daunting task. The pre-existing hard enamel artwork was preserved in its absolute entirety.
The dial other than the signature remains untouched and impresses with its gorgeous condition and the case is also incredible with crisp case and lugs with its original proportions. The hallmarks under the top left lug and between the crown and lower pusher are perfectly crisp as are the S&L initials on the caseback.
Today, the present 1463 "pink on pink" presents itself in the same charismatic condition as it was in September 1953 when a gentleman pushed open the doors of the retailer's boutique in Caracas only to walk out minutes later with this incredible piece strapped on his wrist.
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.