The challenge with creating a waterproof chronograph lay in the pushers, which is why the pushers on the 1463 differ from the 130 and 530. These round pushers featured attractive decorative ends that inspired the nickname "tasti tondi" by modern collectors. Tondi (or singularly, Tondo) is circular artwork created during the Renaissance era, short for the Italian word "rotondo or "round."
In keeping with its remarkably robust design, the Tasti Tondi ref. 1463 not only features a larger and more decorative pushers than its predecessors, but also a screw-down caseback - a large upgrade from the snap-on caseback that preceded and succeeded it for the better part of 60 years in Patek Philippe's lineage of beautifully styled chronographs. Produced until 1979 or 1980, depending on the source, the Tasti Tondi ref. 1463 saw less than 750 examples join its ranks, with white dials seemingly dominating the landscape.
This example, in yellow gold, features a phenomenal case with thick lugs, deep hallmarks and little sign of wear. An obvious highlight is the attractive dial with rare Breguet numerals and a wonderful vintage patina.
This watch comes with an Extract from the Archives noting the Breguet numeral dial and a 1949 production and 1950 sale.
