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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and steel Breguet hour markers in 1945 and its subsequent sale on 29 July 1946.
Even though the notion of "sports watch" is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one associates the stainless steel version of reference 1463 to this term. In fact, for over half a century there hasn't been any other model by Patek Philippe better exemplifying the needs of a modern, self-confident, booming society which is enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during spare time. As a matter of fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case protects it from humidity and dust. The hard steel case obviously ensures one doesn't need to see a watchmaker on a too regular basis if unintended contacts occur...
Consequently, the steel reference 1463 takes a particularly prominent role in many of the even most spoilt collectors' dreams and is a must have in an aficionado's career. With probably the most exciting and seducing combination, examples with Breguet numerals are extraordinarily rare with less than twenty examples in steel identified on the market to date. Specimens, like the present, where the Extracts of Patek Philippe's Archives confirm the original Breguet numeral dial are close to impossible finds.
Consigned by an eminent collector, the present "tasti tondi", as this model is lovingly described by collectors (Italian for round pushers), is a charismatic example with well-preserved proportions and original pushers and crown. The dial as well is preserved in very good condition, with nicely raised hard enamel signature and scales with miles for the tachymetre and shiny Breguet numerals.
This specimen, in original and well-preserved condition, is a rare opportunity for a demanding collector to acquire the rarest and most sought-after combination of all the variants for reference 1463. A moment in time that is long awaited for many collectors and that should not be missed.
The present watch is prominently described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 286 - 287.
Even though the notion of "sports watch" is probably an invention of the late 20th century, there is certainly some explanation if one associates the stainless steel version of reference 1463 to this term. In fact, for over half a century there hasn't been any other model by Patek Philippe better exemplifying the needs of a modern, self-confident, booming society which is enjoying outdoor activities and in particular sport during spare time. As a matter of fact, whereas the chronograph movement responds to the sportsman's needs, the beautifully sculpted water-resistant case protects it from humidity and dust. The hard steel case obviously ensures one doesn't need to see a watchmaker on a too regular basis if unintended contacts occur...
Consequently, the steel reference 1463 takes a particularly prominent role in many of the even most spoilt collectors' dreams and is a must have in an aficionado's career. With probably the most exciting and seducing combination, examples with Breguet numerals are extraordinarily rare with less than twenty examples in steel identified on the market to date. Specimens, like the present, where the Extracts of Patek Philippe's Archives confirm the original Breguet numeral dial are close to impossible finds.
Consigned by an eminent collector, the present "tasti tondi", as this model is lovingly described by collectors (Italian for round pushers), is a charismatic example with well-preserved proportions and original pushers and crown. The dial as well is preserved in very good condition, with nicely raised hard enamel signature and scales with miles for the tachymetre and shiny Breguet numerals.
This specimen, in original and well-preserved condition, is a rare opportunity for a demanding collector to acquire the rarest and most sought-after combination of all the variants for reference 1463. A moment in time that is long awaited for many collectors and that should not be missed.
The present watch is prominently described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 286 - 287.