Patek Philippe

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel-finished lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 23 jewels, metal dust cover • two-tone silvered sector dial, black painted Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 and baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer minute track and tachometer scale • stainless steel case, two round chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe deployant buckle 

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. Manual winding movement and chronograph function in working order when cataloguing. Very appealing later added dial in very good condition and redone not by Patek Philippe. The blued steel hands (chronograph hand and minute counter hand) have been replaced by Patek Philippe as written on the invoice. Case with only but a few light scuffs. Overall in excellent condition. Beautiful watch.
"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."

This rare wristwatch is fitted with an extremely desirable sector dial in impressive condition. The handsome two-tone finish adds a greater sense of depth and variation to the dial surface with its combination of a matte finished body and higher sheen outer scale. Two-tone sector dials have long been favoured by collectors for their constantly changing character as light catches and plays across their varying surface finishes. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the two-tone finish of this dial has a practical function by creating a clear delineation between the tachometer scale and tracking for the chronograph seconds/constant minutes. Furthermore, the silvered sector dial, which was later added and accepted by Patek Philippe, perfectly echoes to the stainless steel case which emphasises the sport spirit of the reference 1463.

Indeed, reference 1463 was the first water-resistant chronograph model made by Patek Philippe. Launched in 1940 and produced until circa 1969, the model was predominantly produced in yellow gold. It was the successor to reference 130, fitted with a snap-on case back, and clearly responded to the sportsman’s requirements for a robust time recorder that could withstand vigorous activity and the ingress of moisture and dirt that might otherwise damage the watch. For the construction of the reference 1463 case, Patek Philippe commissioned the specialist case maker Taubert & Fils. From the late 19^th century, when it existed under the name Frères Borgel, Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva based case makers and specialists in the manufacture of high quality dirt and water-resistant cases. 

According literature, only 650 examples of the reference 1463 were produced and, among them, no more than 190 were in stainless steel. After the production of reference 1463 ended, Patek Philippe did not introduce any other chronograph wristwatches until 1998, when reference 5070 debuted. As a result, the present lot has to be considered as rare testimony of the vintage chronograph production of the celebrated manufacture.