Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 868'425 Case No: 672'747 Model Name: 'Tasti Tondi' Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Mechanical, 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 and its subsequent sale on 28 May 1953.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1463 is the only vintage, waterproof and chronograph-only wristwatch that Patek Philippe produced. The reference is playfully dubbed 'Tasti Tondi' due to the large waterproof 'onion' round pushers. Since the reference's launch in 1940, 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.
This particular example features a railway track to the outer tachymeter, also known as chemin de fer, along with Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. The most distinguishing feature of the present watch, is without a doubt, the 'Hausmann & Co' signature above 6 o'clock. Founded in Rome in 1794 by Ernst Hausmann and Hermann Frielingsdorf, Hausmann & Co. is one of Patek Philippe's most prominent retailers in Italy. Only the most select and prestigious retailers have the honor of printing their dials on Patek Philippe's watches. The present example is further retained in very original condition with correct hallmarks, proportions and thickness of the lugs.
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.