Throwback Thursday: The Patek Philippe Ref.1463

The Ref.1463 is a charming chronograph that Patek Philippe first introduced in 1940, and of which it made the last models in the late 1960s. With a diameter of 35mm is it small by today’s standards, but considered quite sportive when conceived. This is confirmed by the fact that Patek Philippe gave this reference a water-resistant case. It is also the only vintage chronograph model by the brand, featuring round pushers for the chronograph function.

As is often the case with Patek Philippe, is the legibility of all the functions superb, with a perfectly designed dial, and an overall well-proportioned watch. On the wrist, it sits with character and wears modestly larger then one would expect from its diameter. What makes this particular Ref.1463 so unique is that its dial is also signed with ‘Cartier.’ While this world-famous brand is mainly known for the watches and jewelry under their own name, did they even for quite some years retail other renowned brands, with Patek Philippe among them. However, watches that feature both those names on a single dial remain rare, and this is to believe to be the only Ref.1463 that exists bearing them both.

The watch is powered by Patek Philippe Caliber 13-130, which was based on the Valjoux 23. This reliable manual wind chronograph caliber features a column wheel and could also be found in other distinguished chronographs at the time, such as the Rolex Ref.3525. Throughout its lifetime Patek Philippe made different versions of the Ref.1463. For example, it was also available in pink gold and stainless steel, as well as with quite a wide variety of different dials. Roman numerals, Breguet numerals, or a combination of Arabic numerals with indices; Patek Philippe made them all. The one in these pictures features rather bold golden indices, which gives the watch a slightly more contemporary touch than most of its siblings, making it one very tempting, vintage Patek Philippe Chronograph.