188 Patek Philippe Outstanding and Extremely Well Preserved, “Tasti Tondi”, Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Two-Tone Tachymeter Scale Dial, With Certificate, Extract from the Archives and Box Signed Astrua, Property of The John Golberger Collection, Ref. 1463

Estimate: € 300,000 –⁠ 600,000

Sold € 624,000

Model: Tasti Tondi
Reference: 1463
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1952
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 13“
Case N°: 672781
Movement N°: 868 421
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives and Box

The discovery of one of the great “golden era” Patek Philippe references is always a very exciting moment, even more so when that watch is not only made in the rarest metal for the reference but is also preserved in one of the finest and most incredible conditions that have appeared in many years on the auction house market. Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 1463 is one of the most sought after and collectable vintage chronograph wristwatches due both to its strong aesthetics as well as to its technical savoir-faire. The ownership of a reference 1463 of any type is already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, the present watch in pink gold with two-tone dial, with its certificate of origin, box and preserved in exceptional conditions is therefore one of the great trophy watches of this reference. The only vintage Patek Philippe chronograph model with screw back case and round pushers, the reference 1463 is without question one of the company’s most iconic and noble wristwatches. First released in 1940, the model was the brand’s first water-resistant chronograph and in the years have grown so much in desirability as a vintage horological icon that was ahead of its time, and in fact it remains the only water-resistant chronograph serially made by the brand from its foundation until 2018. Speaking about numbers, around 740 pieces were made in total among yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel, an average of only 21 watches were produced per year. The striking pink gold version is the rarest of all, a total of approximately 145 pieces were ever made with only around 55 examples identified publicly today. The case of the present example is in wonderful condition, displaying crisp hallmarks, most notably the one on the band is as well preserved as the one underneath the lug. The case features the stepped bezel and downturned curved lugs found on later generations, while the two-tone dial is exceptionally well preserved with all the engraved/enameled graphics in excellent condition and without losses or fading. Made by Taubert, the Geneva master case maker whose mark of the number 11 within a key is punched on the interior of the case back, the case is the typical, water-resistant case of the ref. 1463, relatively large for the time at 35 mm in diameter. Due to the screw-down back sitting relatively high, the reference 1463 has a very distinctive and instantly recognizable side profile. A true piece of history not only for Patek Philippe but for the whole horology world, this specimen can be considered as the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to purchase one of the most charming, well preserved and equipped that will come at auction, offering the original Patek box signed by the retailer Astrua, such as the original certificate stamped Astrua Torino confirming the sale of the timepiece on the 5th of December 1953.