Patek Philippe Chronograph 1463

Patek Philippe Reference 1463 'Tasti Tondi' | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, Circa 1958

Dial: silvered two-tone Caliber: mechanical, jeweled Movement number: 868'956 Case: 18k yellow gold, dust cover, screw-down case back Case number: 607'613 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Size: 35 mm diameter Signed: case, dial, and movement Box: no Papers: noThe Patek Philippe Reference 1463 made its debut in 1940, and was named the 'Tasti Tondi' by collectors for its distinctive round pushers. Its introduction marked a technologically significant departure from previous chronographs by the Patek Philippe, and earned its place in horological history as Patek Philippe's first water resistant chronograph. Chronograph references prior to the 1463 featured snap on case backs and rectangular pushers, compared to the 1463 which received technological upgrades such as a screw-down case back with metal dust cover and rounded pushers. These new and improved cases were supplied by the casemaker Taubert, identifiable by Geneva Key 11, who specialized in waterproof cases. These seemingly small alterations were significant as it equipped the 1463 with water resistance — a highly desirable feature that made the 1463 a versatile timepiece ideal for both form and function. Its desirability is further punctuated by its rarity: roughly 800 examples were produced until around 1969 in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel, with yellow gold being the most prevalent. Its production run can be divided into three series, with the present example featuring a highly attractive and rare second series two-tone silvered dial designed for improved legibility. Of the roughly 176 yellow gold examples, only a small fraction has been found with a two-tone dial.