Patek Philippe

Sotheby's, London, December 2007, Lot 250

While the Patek Philippe reference 1463, fondly nicknamed "Tasti Tondi" for its round pushers, is already a coveted collectible, the present lot represents a particularly rare and sought-after iteration. Produced from 1940 to roughly 1969, only around 720 examples of the 1463 were ever crafted, with the vast majority featuring 18k yellow gold cases. 

This exceptional timepiece stands out with its robust stainless steel construction, a material chosen by a select few during the reference 1463's production run.

Further elevating its rarity, this stainless steel 1463 boasts a captivating dial adorned with applied Breguet numerals. Those dials, primarily intended for the US market, are incredibly scarce. While estimates suggest a total production of around 100 examples across all case materials. The dial is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

Futhermore, this example is equipped with luminous hands and indexes, a feature that was only available on request.

However, the scarcity is further amplified by the limited number of confirmed examples. With only around 13 known examples in yellow gold, 2 in pink gold, and 20 in stainless steel, encountering a 'Tasti Tondi' with Breguet numerals, especially in stainless steel, is a rare privilege for collectors

The combination of the stainless steel case and Breguet numerals makes this Patek Philippe reference 1463 a true prize for discerning collectors.