“Ref. 1463”

“The Patek Philippe reference 1463, affectionately nicknamed "Tasti Tondi" by collectors for its distinctive round pushers, was introduced in 1940 and remained in production until 1969. It marked a significant evolution in the brand’s chronograph lineage. Prior to the 1463, Patek Philippe chronographs typically featured snap-on case backs and square pushers. The 1463 broke with tradition by introducing a screw-down case back and rounded pushers—innovations that not only modernized the design but also endowed the watch with water resistance. This advancement appealed to a discerning clientele seeking a timepiece that was as functional in leisure as it was refined in appearance.”

- Sotheby’s, read more.

[Continued from Ref. 3448] Printing in Platinum-Palladium requires a precise mixture of chemistry and a measure of care in its preparation and handling - the palladium salts used in the process are worth more than gold by weight! Once mixed, the now-photosensitive emulsion is applied by hand onto the surface of the paper, in this case a German cotton rag paper using imported Japanese brushes, both designed specifically for this unique manner of printing.

Once the emulsion dries, the paper is sandwiched with a full-size “digital negative” that has been adjusted to achieve maximal tonal range, matched to the unique spectral response of the Platinum-Palladium Process. It is then exposed to ultraviolet light in a controlled environment, creating a latent positive image upon the paper that needs to be developed, cleared, and washed.

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