102 Patek Philippe “tasti Tondi”, Ref. 1463, in Yellow-gold 18k, Gay Fréres Yellow-gold 18k Bracelet, Accompanied With Patek Extract of Archives

Estimate: € 120,000 –⁠ 180,000

Material: Yellow-Gold 18K
Reference N°: 1463
Year: Circa 1948/49
Case N°: 644758, Mov. 867248
Caliber: 9’-90 Manual
Bracelet: Gay Fréres 449 yellow-gold 18k
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe extract of archive
Literature: Similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery

The Ref. 1463 was Patek Philippe’s first water-resistant chronograph with a screw-down case back, and it is also 35 mm in diameter, largish for the era. That makes it a desirable and important reference, with collectability further helped by the fact that just a small number were made, about 400 leaving the factory over 30 or so years. Patek Philippe collectors consider the reference 1463 chronograph to be amongst Patek’s most important watches. Introduced in 1940, this chronograph has a unique profile, owing to the highly domed crystal and massive screw back. In a family of otherwise dressy Patek chronographs, the 1463 is sporty looking. While “Sporty” and “Chronograph” go hand in hand these days, this watch’s massive construction was revolutionary in its day. The screw back introduced a water and dirt resistance otherwise unknown at the time, and the 1463 is Patek’s first water resistant chronograph. Original impeccable 18k case with dimensions of 35 mm diameter by 13 mm thick. From lug tip to lug tip, this watch measures 43.2 mm. As mentioned, the caseback is threaded and screws down into the center part of the case. This was Patek’s first chronograph to implement the screw back, so as to achieve water resistance. The round pump-style chronograph pushers have a sunburst pattern engraving. The present lot has a beautiful original silver dial featuring applied hour markers along with second chapter, tachymeter scale, sunken subdials (for seconds and chronograph 30 minute totalizer), blued chronograph hands and golden feuille-style main hands. The dial and hands are original, untouched and clean. Movement is the manual winding Patek Philippe chronograph caliber 13–130 with 23 jewels, column wheel construction, and adjusted to 8 positions. Movement is protected by inner dust cover and is clean and running. With its modern and sleek design, reference 1463 embodies the genetic code of vintage Patek Philippe timepieces: craftsmanship, elegance and sophistication. This remarkable example with a very nice dial and a rare Gay Fréres yellow-gold bracelet, offers unparalleled beauty and exclusivity, deserving of a prominent position in any collection of distinction.

Montre Patek Philippe en or jaune, modèle « Tasti Tondi », réf. 1463. Très beau cadran argenté avec index appliqués, très rare bracelet en or jaune signé Gay Frères et accompagné de l’extrait des archives de Patek. Il s’agit du premier chronographe étanche réalisé par la maison Patek Philippe, lui méritant une place de choix dans toute collection importante.