181 Patek Philippe Possibly Unique, Highly Exclusive and Well Preserved, Tasti Tondi, Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Retailed by Cartier, With Extract From the Archives, Reference 1463

Estimate: €160,000 –⁠ 320,000

Model: Tasti Tondi
Reference: 1463
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1968
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 13
Case N°: 2 647 885
Movement N°: 869228
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives
Literature: Sold at Phillips “Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR—Geneva Auctions 12-13 November 2016” as lot 191 for 162,500 CHF

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 manufactured by the brand. Introduced in 1940, this reference is absolutely rare and the production is very limited, indeed scholars estimate that fewer than 740 examples were manufactured in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel combined. Successor to reference 130, another iconic chronograph wristwatch with a snap back, screw back reference 1463 remained in production until 1965. The cases of this extraordinary reference were supplied by Taubert (formerly Frerès Borgel), who specialized in the manufacture of the finest quality water-resistant type watch cases. Today, this historic reference remains even more popular than it was at the time of its inception. Among the rarest and most desirable reference 1463 chronographs are those bearing a prestigious retailer’s signature on their dials. The sale of one of the great “golden era” Patek Philippe references is always a very exciting moment, even more so when that watch is double signed by one of Patek Philippe’s most revered retail agents of the mid-20th century. The present lot is an exceptionally rare example of such a watch as it is the only example known to feature the signature of the legendary jeweler “Cartier” on its dial. Previously sold by Phillips in the 12th/13th November 2016 auction and consigned at that time by the original family who had purchased the watch from Cartier’s historic New York mansion on 5th Avenue on June 12, 1968. It is believed that the present watch was a special order and is one of the last two reference 1463 manufactured by Patek Philippe before the model was discontinued. The two-piece “water-resistant” case in 18k yellow gold is preserved in very nice original overall condition with a deep and crisp hallmark between the lugs at 6 o’clock. The dial, a work of art, is in astonishing condition (a testament to the integrity and quality of the case) and the signature and scales are all incredibly crisp, well defined and untouched raised hard enamel. And as if the aforementioned weren’t enough, the “Cartier” signature on the dial places the current lot in a class all its own. Reference 1463 is without a doubt one of the most highly prized vintage Patek Philippe chronographs in the market today. Owning a 1463 is already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, the present watch in yellow gold with dial signed by Cartier is therefore one of the great trophy watches of the reference. The watch is offered with its original folding deployant buckle in 18k yellow gold signed Cartier and engraved with the Cartier inventory number, as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture as 1968 and subsequent sale on June 12, 1968.