Patek Philippe

• cal. 13 manual winding movement, 23 jewels, metal dust cover • silvered dial with applied steel Roman 12 and 6 o'clock, dot indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer tachometer scale • two round chronograph pushers to the band, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle • Extract from the Archives confirming sale 19 October 1948, original presentation box

An excellent example of a rare reference. The movement is currently running and the chronograph is functioning properly. The watch was serviced by Patek Philippe Geneva within the last 4 years and the Patek Philippe service sticker is still attached. The dial is very attractive with no visible imperfections and was expertly cleaned by Patek Philippe, and the original hard enamel tracking and signature is very strong with no visible losses. The case is in very nice overall condition and was lightly polished by Patek Philippe. The dust cover is original and in excellent condition. There is some slight pitting to the band of the case between the upper chronograph button and the crown, and some slight scuffs to the profile edges of the case back from prior attempts at opening. The back of the upper right lug is hand-scratched with numbers that appear to read 125436. These numbers are Beyer reference numbers. Beyer confirms that they were the original retailer for the piece. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

When it made its debut in 1940, Ref. 1463 was Patek Philippe's first water resistant chronograph wristwatch. Estimates suggest that it was produced in fewer than 750 examples in all metals, with stainless steel pieces being the rarest. It was the successor to Ref. 130, an iconic chronograph wristwatch with a snap back. For an example of Ref. 130, see lot 192.

After production of Ref. 1463 ended in the late 1960s, Patek Philippe did not introduce any other chronograph wristwatches until 1998, when Ref. 5070 debuted. 

The watch being offered is a superlative example of the reference that has never been offered for sale publicly and is completely fresh to the market. 

For an almost identical Ref. 1463 with the same dial layout, see Goldberger, J. Patek Philippe Steel Watches, p. 284-285. Another similar example is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 267.

The inside of the case back is stamped 'FB', the maker's mark for Taubert & Fils. From the late 19th century, when it existed under the name Francois Borgel, Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva-based case makers and specialized in water-resistant cases. They worked with many firms, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.  For a detailed exploration into the history of Taubert & Fils, see Goldberger, J. Patek Philippe Steel Watches, p. 430.