Patek Philippe

• cal. 13-130 nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, 23 jewels, micrometer regulator, 8 adjustments, metal dust cover • two-tone silvered dial, applied pink gold Arabic and bullet numerals, pink gold feuille hands, two registers indicating constant seconds and 30-minute register, inner scale calibrated for 60 units, outer tachometer scale • water-resistant-type circular case, sloped raised bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the band, downturned lugs, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial's two-tone finish is quite pronounced from certain angles. The signature appears a bit faint and some of the hard enamel is lacking, suggesting the dial has been cleaned at some point. The case back bears light scuffs particularly to the back and there are some scratches on the edges of the polygonal screw back. The bezel bears a visible scuff between 11 and 12 o'clock. The pushers bear a strong starburst pattern. The gold stamp between the bottom button and the crown is rather thin. Overall a beautiful example of a very rare watch. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1949 and sale on November 10th of that year. 

When it made its debut in 1940, Ref. 1463 was Patek Philippe's first water resistant chronograph wristwatch. It was the successor to Ref. 130, another iconic chronograph wristwatch with a snap back.

According to our research, fewer that 750 examples of Ref. 1463 were made in total, and it was available in stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold. Models in pink gold from this series, such as the present example, are the rarest and the most infrequently seen at auction, accounting for only about 150 pieces of the total production run.

Ref. 1463 underwent three evolutions, the first characterized by its thicker bezel and straighter lugs. The second evolution, to which the present example belongs, had a slimmer bezel and lugs which curled down at the ends. The dial on examples from the third evolution appears comparatively simpler, having dropped the innermost tracking line.

After production of Ref. 1463 ended in the late 1960s, Patek Philippe did not introduce any other chronograph-only wristwatches until 1998, when Ref. 5070 debuted. For an example of Ref. 5070, see lot 181.

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 worked with many firms, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

An example of Ref. 1463 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 267.