Today we have a treat for you in the form of an extremely rare Patek Philippe split seconds chronograph. This is the reference 1563, of which only three known examples exist, the most famous of which once belonged to Duke Ellington and now resides in the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva. This 1563 has a few features that set it apart from the other two as well, further upping the ante. If you couldn't tell, this is one we're pretty excited to share.
A Closer Look At The 1563's Dial
The ref. 1563 is an rare variant of the more commonly seen ref. 1463 chronograph. Both share the same water-resistant screw back case (here in 18k yellow gold), the same foundational 13 lignes caliber, and the same round pushers, but the 1563 adds a split seconds mechanism to the chronograph. There are only three known examples of the 1563, making it one of the rarer Patek chronographs out there.
Setting this example apart though from its two sister replica watches are the luminous Breuget numerals and luminous sword hands, two very unusual features on a fake watch like this. Typically, Patek Philippe reserved the Breuget numerals for steel examples of the 1463, while the gold 1463s had dials with 12 and 6 as numerals and the other hours marked with short batons. The radium has turned a deep rust color that looks unbelievable against the clean dial. The extract from Patek Philippe confirms that this is in fact the original dial and the luminous Breguet numerals are correct.
Another idiosyncrasy confirmed as correct by the extract is found inside the caseback. It is stamped 1463, not 1563. On the outside of the caseback you'll find the signature "L. Estée" and "S.G.H." both engraved, nods to earlier owners.
ADVERTISEMENTLittle aesthetic details like the engraved pushers, the curved lugs, and asymmetric counterweights on the chronograph seconds hands all add to the appeal of this watch. The fake watch was originally sold on June 30, 1950, though it was made in 1947. It's tough to believe that this sat unclaimed for three years.
The estimate for this Patek Philippe ref. 1563 is $850,000-$1,500,000. It is lot 193 in the November 11th Important replica watches sale at Christie's Geneva. Check out the official listing here.
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