PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 1463J, A RARE AND ATTRACTIVE GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

In 1940, four years into the production of the reference 130, Patek Philippe & Co. introduced the reference 1463, its first water resistant chronograph - a more robust chronograph compared to the Ref. 130 and made to keep up with the market demand for more masculine wristwatches. This chronograph, known for its distinct round pushers and nicknamed “Tasti Tondi” (round pushers) by Italian collectors stayed in production until approximately 1967.

Featuring a timeless design, the 1463 benefited from the use of a very high quality water resistant case made by Taubert et Fils, a Geneva-based firm known for their water-resistant cases. The three-part case included a screw back as well as a humidity-proof metal cover to protect the movement.

The 1463’s production is divided into three series, the present timepiece (circa 1960) is part of the second series that was produced until 1961. Reference 1463 was powered by Caliber 13-130, which was based on the famed Valjoux 23 but hand-finished lavishly at Patek Philippe’s workshops.

Experts believe that about 720 watches were made, it is also learnt that about 400 of these were made in yellow gold, of which about 157 pieces have been identified.

Reference 1463 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 267, and in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, pp. 268-269.