Extremely rare Patek 1463
“Tasti Tondi 45”
An extremely rare Patek ‘55 1463 J. The 1463 was the first water resistant chronograph case by FB/Taubert designed for Patek. Iconic for its design, also known as the “Tasti Tondi”, so named by the Italian collector community and a nod to the sunburst pushers motif. Approx. 166 including present example of the 1463 in YG are currently known in market from its production run spanning 1940-1967. It’s believed approximately 741 1463 were made in total, with 406 in yellow gold, 190 in steel and 145 in pink gold. Far fewer examples are known in the market of each metal and it’s safe to say the number across all metals currently known is a little over the 300 range of the original production.
This particular example has honest and original attributes that are rare to find these days on a piece of this vintage. These include; a well preserved and unpolished case, crown and buckle. The dial also appears to be completely original and unrestored as evidenced by the consistent aging of the zapon layer and original enamel that under magnification show no sign of restoration. These are extremely rare factors in and of themselves and I would venture to guess perhaps less than seen on two hands of ref. 1463 can claim this level of originality. Confirmed original owner provenance further differentiates this example as a true fresh to market find.
Looking closer at the features:
Dial- Features applied arabic 12, 6 and bullet hour markers in yellow gold with printed “swiss” under the 6 marker and centered registers. The signature, registers and outer tachymeter scale are all engraved, enameled and kiln fired to harden. Outer tachometer track is “chemin de fer” (railway), whereas the later dials featured an open track. Presence of oxidation is noted near hour markers and is one of the signs of originality. Many dials reportedly may have seen some degree of cleaning processes subjected to the dial and its markers, enamel and lacquer to remove signs of aging to make them appear “fresh” and unblemished. The original protective zapon lacquer on this dial shows honest signs of aging under magnification that would not be duplicated with restoration in my opinion. The engraved enamel is also consistent in appearance and shows appropriate relief to the dial without signs of any later cold enamel overlay, which is sometimes used in the restoration process (see pics 2,4,7 for macro images of original enamel). The extremely rare 45 minute register is the only 45 counter I’m aware currently known on a ref 1463 in any metal. This example has been confirmed as correct in this format from the day it left the manufacture by Patek. Discussion with other scholars reveals a lack of awareness of any other 45 counter seen or known to date.
Movement- 13” CH with Amagnetic balance. The balance became an Amagnetic type in 1946. It is double stamped with the Geneva seal. Prior to the mid-‘50’s the 13-130 movements used in the 1463 and other references do not bear the Geneva seal stampings. The highlight of this movement is the extremely rare gearing required to operate the extra 15 mins from the typical, known 30 min counters. The lower plate was additionally finished originally by Patek in a manner to accommodate the larger gearing (see pic 5 for close up of gearing, pic 6 for comparison to usual 30 min gearing and lower plate geometry).
Case- Type 2 with polished tops, bottoms and brushed sides are original factory finishes with wear from use over time. There were several case types seen on gold and steel 1463 examples over the production run. Differences are noted in lug and bezel shapes. The type 2 case on present example features lugs that are large and downturned, tight pinholes on the lugs, a bezel that is stepped with a deep, crisp and defined hallmark not commonly seen on cases of this age. The hallmark is located on the outer side near 9 o’clock. The case sides show signs of the original satin brushings. Often these original finishes are polished off or re-brushed on cases that have been refreshed or restored to some degree. The screwback maintains its original, thick outer hexagonal proportions and features a commemorative, presentation engraving to the original owner. This commemorative engraving has been confirmed with research to trace this example back to the known original owner.
In addition to being extremely rare for the reasons noted and confirmed by Patek, this particular 1463 exhibits original and well preserved condition of an iconic, first water resistant chrono. reference with an aesthetic dial+case balance. 🙏🏻 for reading and see below for additional pics.
In summary:
✅ Possible piece unique ref. 1463
✅Original owner provenance confirmed
✅ Unpolished Case, original pushers and crown very rare on 1463
✅ Original Dial; Engraved, enamel and zapon intact with appropriate aging, original hands
✅ Rare 45 Counter. Only known example
Pictures:
Pic 1- On the wrist
Pic 2- Engraved, enameled signature showing untouched original signature
Pic 3 and 4- 45 counter detail and macro of engraved, enameled 45 marker, outer track
Pic 5- 13” CH mov’t with 45 min gearing
Pic 6- 13” CH comparison with top example showing usual 30 min counter (@watchand, www.tropicalwatch.com). Note the different gearing and lower plate widening compared to bottom 45 min counter
Pic 7- Tachymeter scale engraved, enameled, printed Swiss untouched
Pic 8- Defined hallmark is deep and untouched
Pic 9 and 10- Tasti Tondi iconic sunburst pusher design
Pic 11- Lug features a lower chamfer, brushed side finish with honest wear from years of use
Pic 12- Inner caseback featuring FB/Taubert and associated key 11 stampings of the maker
