Beschreibung:

Patek Philippe Follow Ref. 1463 A very rare and attractive and historically important yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial and tachymeter scale, retailed by Beyer-Zürich 1942 35mm. Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1942 Reference No: 1463 Movement No: 862'871 Case No: 623'894 Model Name: "Tasti Tondi" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap further accompanied by an 18K yellow gold woven Patek Philippe by Gay Frères bracelet stamped 68, max length 200mm. Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold deployant clasp stamped Patek Philippe Genève. Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by a modern Patek Philippe brown leather pouch as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1942, and its subsequent sale on August 28th, 1942. Literature: A similar example of this reference is illustrated in page 267 of Patek Philippe Genève by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery. Catalogue Essay There are emotionally evocative moments when we are filled with a sense of exhilaration when we hold a timepiece that is not only dashingly beautiful and well preserved but which is the earliest of its kind and redefines scholarship. The present reference 1463 bearing case number 623’895 and made in 1942 is the earliest example of this reference known in yellow gold and is over 150,000 case numbers lower than the previous model with serial 862’907, providing for a huge leap back in time. Reference 1463, along with the split seconds reference 1563 is the only vintage, water resistant chronograph wristwatch that Patek Philippe produced. Manufactured from approximately 1940 to 1969, the reference is playfully dubbed "Tasti Tondi" due to its large waterproof round pushers. It is the waterproof attributes of this watch that led it to be bought in the early 1940s by a Swedish businessman who wanted to have an elegant yet “sporty” chronograph that that he could wear whilst sailing. In 1968, for his 70th birthday and to add a pinch of glamour his daughter offered him a woven yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet to fit his beloved timepiece. Looking at this timepiece one is immediately awestruck by the amazing patina of the dial which has gone from the original silver to a graphic two tone pink champagne / opaline. Furthermore, the dial features the signature of the prestigious Zurich based retailer, Beyer, making the present lot the only example known with this double signature. However, where the present lot redefines scholarship is the shape of its lugs. Reference 1463 models in steel feature straight lugs whereas gold models have down turned lugs. The present gold model has the same straight lugs as found in steel models. It is possible that whilst looking for a chic yet versatile waterproof gold chronograph, Beyer was approached and the present reference 1463 ordered. No earlier yellow gold reference 1463 being known, it is safe to assume that Patek Philippe used the design of the existing steel reference 1463 to create this watch and at a later date modified the lug design, differentiating the steel and gold models. Fresh to the market and being offered by the family of the original owner, the present lot ticks all the boxes that make it a must have for the connoisseur: excellent condition case with crisp hallmark on the side, superb and unique dial, unique Beyer signature and the earliest reference 1463 in yellow gold to have appeared on the market. Read More Maker Bio Patek Philippe Swiss • 1839 Follow Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance. Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highe