Patek Philippe

• cal. 13'''-130 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 23 jewels, dust-protecting cap • two-tone silvered dial with applied Arabic numerals and baton numerals, outer minute and 1/5 seconds track, feuille hands, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outermost tachometer scale • brushed and polished case, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stailness steel Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the chronograph function appears fully operational, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in very good condition. Case most probably re-polished showing some small dents to the band. Overall in good condition and was recently revised by Patek Philippe. The strap of this watch is made of endangered species. For more information please consult important notices.
"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."

 This rare wristwatch is offered for sale by its original owner, retaining an unbroken provenance since its original purchase in 1961. The current owner was a navigator for the US Air Force, serving for RF-4C in South East Asia and this watch was used throughout his active duty.  Ideally suited for military use with its robust, stainless steel, water-resistant type case, the desirability of this example is further enhanced by the incorporation of a rare two-tone dial. The very handsome two-tone finish adds a greater sense of depth and variation to the dial surface with its combination of a matte finished body and higher sheen outer scale. Two-tone dials have long been favoured by collectors for their constantly changing character as light catches and plays across their varying surface finishes. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the two-tone finish of this dial has a practical function by creating a clear delineation between the tachometer scale and tracking for the chronograph seconds/constant minutes.
Reference 1463 was the first water-resistant chronograph model made by Patek Philippe. Launched in 1940, the model was predominantly produced in yellow gold. It was introduced only 4 years after Patek’s first series produced chronograph (ref.130) and clearly responded to the sportsman’s requirements for a robust time recorder that could withstand vigorous activity and the ingress of moisture and dirt that might otherwise damage the watch. For the construction of the ref.1463 case, Patek Philippe commissioned the specialist case maker Taubert & Fils. From the late 19^th Century, when it existed under the name Frères Borgel, Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva based case makers and specialists in the manufacture of high quality dirt and water-resistant cases.