One of the most eagerly awaited moments for watch collectors is about to return: the spring auctions of the most prestigious international houses.
As has been customary for some years now, it will be Monaco that will open the season, with Monaco Legend Group offering as many as 247 top-notch lots on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
In this article we will explore the most interesting lots offered by Monaco Legend, analyzing their history and details.
Lot 22: Rolex 6542 GMT-Master “Pan-Am”
The first watch we want to tell you about is an extraordinary Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 in steel. This specimen stands out from the others, although equally fascinating, with the same reference, because of its very rare white dial, to which a very interesting story is linked.
The watch was purchased in 1959 by a Chilean Navy soldier, and has remained in his possession to this day, to be now destined for the collection of an avid connoisseur.
Besides the provenance, what makes this piece truly special is precisely the white dial, an extremely rare element for this reference and one that over time has been nicknamed “Albino” by enthusiasts.
If the dial is already incredible in itself, the combination with radium markers, which have developed a caramel-colored patina over the years, makes it even more fascinating, not least because of the extremely low production numbers.
As for the bezel, usually made of bakelite, in this case it is instead made of steel, in the classic Pepsi configuration. Over the years, however, it has taken on a lighter hue.
Although the steel bezel is not the one commonly associated with this reference, the fact that the watch was produced toward the end of its production suggests that it is a transitional, and therefore correct, bezel.
The estimate for this specimen is between 120,000 and 240,000 euros.
Lots 55-58: Cartier watch pens
As a second highlight of the auction, we present something very unusual, but one that seamlessly combines watch collecting with pen collecting.
Lots 55 and 58, in fact, are two fascinating pens signed Cartier that, in different ways, also allow you to tell the time.
The first, a ballpoint pen belonging to a limited edition of 2,000, is finished in palladium and combines the brand’s elegance with an integrated clock on the tip, powered by a small quartz movement.
The second, however, is a fountain pen that alternates palladium sections with black enamel details. Again, the watch is inserted into the cap and functions thanks to a quartz movement.
Both pens are valued between 2,000 and 4,000 euros, offering watch enthusiasts an original opportunity to explore a new form of collecting.
Lot 70: Piaget Falcon Eye
Piaget is undoubtedly one of the brands that have innovated most in design in recent years, and one of the shapes that is receiving increasing attention is the Black Tie, also known as the “Andy Warhol,” named after the artist who used to wear it.
The case has a decidedly more classic shape than many of the bold lines proposed by various brands in the 1960s and 1970s, but it has always been paired with distinctive dials, often made of hard stone.
In this special edition, made in platinum, we find an elegant hawk’s eye dial, which was born out of a specific request from a Piaget customer, making the piece one of a kind.
Interest in this lot is sure to be high, both because of the current demand for such models in the market, and because it is a true one-of-a-kind, with the Nº01 engraving on the case back.
The estimate is between 60,000 and 120,000 euros.
Lot 124: Patek Philippe 1526 Masson House
This lot represents one of the most interesting watches to appear at auction in recent years: a Patek Philippe reference 1526 with some truly unique features.
This reference is in itself extraordinarily significant in the history of the house, as it represents the first mass-produced perpetual calendar by Patek Philippe, introduced in 1941 and produced until 1952.
It is estimated that only 210 examples were produced, most of them in yellow gold. Only a few, such as the present lot, were made in rose gold.
Besides the rarity of the metal, what makes this specimen even more special is the salmon-colored dial, combined with rose gold indexes and hands, with Spanish-language registers.
The sub-dial at six o’clock bears the signature of Casa Masson, a historic retailer in Rio de Janeiro, adding to the charm and uniqueness of the piece.
As is the case with modern Rolex magnifying lenses, in this case we find a hollowed-out plastic crystal at the subdial, creating a distorted effect depending on where you view the dial from, at 6 o’clock, which houses indications of seconds, day of the month and moon phase.
In addition to Patek Philippe’s archival excerpt, the watch is accompanied by an in-depth study by Tortella & Sons.
The estimate for this masterpiece is between 500,000 and 1,000,000 euros.
Lot 141: Cartier Pocket Wristwatch
This Cartier is particularly interesting because of its distinctive shape and the personalities who have worn similar models with great style over the years.
The watch began life as a wristwatch, with a 50mm yellow gold case and the precious minute repeater complication. Breguet-style hands and hour markers perfectly complement the understated elegance of the ensemble.
The movement, which is hand-wound, was manufactured by European Watch & Clock Co., a longtime partner of Cartier and a guarantee of high mechanical quality.
Although this is certainly a challenging timepiece to wear in daily life, over the years several personalities have made such watches famous. Foremost among them was the lawyer Gianni Agnelli, who was known to wear converted pocket watches on his wrist, often over his shirt cuff, in his own unmistakable style.
The estimate for this fascinating specimen is between 20,000 and 40,000 euros.
Lot 247: Rolex 6062
Reference 6062 represents, for Rolex collectors, one of the most fascinating and sought-after models, due to its sophisticated complication, deep historical relevance and the variety of configurations in which it has been offered.
In fact, it is the only Rolex reference to combine a triple calendar with moon phase display in an Oyster case, making it not only elegant but also water resistant, an absolutely cutting-edge technical detail for the time.
Most of the known specimens were made in yellow or rose gold, but a very small proportion were produced in steel, as in the case of this exceptional lot, which stands out for its rarity and state of preservation.
These watches, designed to be worn in daily life, as opposed to the same ones made of precious metal, were often used intensively, which is why it is extremely rare to find them in original, well-preserved condition.
What makes this example even more special, in addition to the steel case and bracelet, is the ivory-colored dial, beautifully weathered over time and perfectly preserved, with pointed hour markers and Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock, which add to its uniqueness and aesthetic harmony.
The estimate for this extraordinary specimen exceeds 1,000,000 euros.
Conclusion
As on every occasion, Monaco Legend manages to surprise us with a catalog full of dreamy timepieces, capable of satisfying the most diverse passions.
Variety is one of the key elements of this auction: it ranges from contemporary models, to unusual and sophisticated shapes rarely encountered on the market, to a rich selection of watches designed for the female audience, elegant and refined.
But the heart of the catalog undoubtedly remains the section devoted to the great classics of the past, with rare and collectible vintage specimens that are extremely difficult to find in comparable condition.
A true celebration of watchmaking in all its nuances, which once again confirms Monaco Legend as one of the absolute protagonists of the international auction scene.
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