Patek Philippe

cal.13-130 damascened nickel lever movement, 23 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments, precision regulator, a-magnetic movement cover • silvered dial, applied steel Breguet numerals with luminous dots above, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer tachometer calibrated for miles, luminous military style hands • circular steel case with stepped bezel and chamfered top, screw-down case back, rounded chronograph pushers in the band, case, dial and movement signed, with a stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running and chronograph functioning. Lovely dial with good clear tracks and signature. A few smalll spots and a small scratch to the 30-minute register. Case has been gently refreshed.
"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."

Reference 1463 was manufactured from 1940 until the late 1960s. One of the most coveted of all Patek Philippe chronograph references, it is especially favoured for its water-resistant type case with rounded pushers and screw-down case back. Examples in steel are rare, the present watch is one of only 15 examples known from the market with Breguet numerals and the only one known with this combination of luminous accents and Breguet numerals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the present wristwatch has appeared at auction.

An exceptional example of the reference 1463, the present wristwatch was made for the American market as indicated by the HOX engraving on the movement. Since the watch was made for the American market, the tachometer is shown in miles rather than kilometers, a rare feature on Patek Philippe chronographs. The watch also clearly bears the word "Swiss" which was proudly displayed on vintage wristwatches destined for the export markets. Interestingly, the "Swiss" signature on the dial has been moved above the 6 o'clock position seemingly to accommodate the luminous dot below the numeral. When one compares the present wristwatch to other versions with the "Swiss" signature, one can see that it is more usually found between the base of the numeral at 6 o'clock and the tachometer scale. If the "Swiss" marking was moved to this position on the present watch, it would be obscured by the luminous dot, thereby affecting the overall harmony of the dial.

The inside of the case back is stamped 'FB', the maker's mark for Taubert & Fils. From the late 19th century, when it existed under the name Frères Borgel, Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva based case makers and specialized in water-resistant cases. They were commissioned by many of the finest watchmakers, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.