Record €22.3 million sale at Monaco Legend Auctions
Some absolutely astonishing watches have gone under the hammer at Monaco Legend Auctions.
The rare pieces, including a unique Rolex Yachtmaster and a very sought after Daytona Chronograph were up for grabs over the weekend of April 22-23 at Le Meridien Beach Plaza Monte Carlo.
Here we share how it went and which watch went for more than three million euros.
Rolex Yachtmaster, reference 16 620 PT
This 1992 beauty was the former property of Patrick Heiniger – the late president of Rolex – so you can imagine there was some major interest in this timepiece.
The automatic wristwatch (calibre 3135) in full platinum, with baguette-cut sapphires and diamonds on the indexes, on an Oyster bracelet complete with flip lock, sold for a staggering 2,316,800 euros, having been estimated at between one and two million.

This had a unique silver dial and was signed ‘Dix Millioieme Chronometre’ to celebrate the 10 millionth chronometer movement by Rolex.
With its casual elegance yet sporty style, this style has been a major player in Rolex’ cabinet.
When the first Yacht Master (16 628) came out in 18ct gold and a white dial, more versions were demanded, until steel and gold versions were introduced.
The auctioned watch was actually a prototype ordered by the Heiniger family. Andre Heiniger was CEO from 1992 until 2008 and Patrick Heiniger was his son, and between them they created a legacy that brought all manufacture in-house.
Patrick also introduced the Yachtmaster and manufactured the only three Daytona models platinum with leather straps.
Rolex Daytona Chronograph, reference 6241
This sought-after wristwatch in steel, complete with papers and box, achieved €110,500, having been estimated from € 60,000.
The Daytona started life in 1963, fascinating watch collectors with its graduated bezel showing the tachymeter scale engraved into the metal.
Three years on, the 6241 debuted with its newly designed bezel, made in two bodies: an external metal ring in which a black acrylic insert is housed with the tachymeter scale printed in white.

Available in stainless steel, 14k and 18k gold, it remained in production until 1969 and was fitted with the non-Oyster or non-screw down chronograph buttons.
Other references
Patek Philippe World Time, reference 2523/1
This two crown world time watch in incredible condition – and only offered for the second time – fetched 3,036,000 euros.
Originally sold in 1968, it’s one of the most exclusive vintage Patek timepieces and considered one of the most beautiful and iconic, post-war designs by any watch manufacturer. Only 15 were ever made in yellow gold but fewer in rose gold.

Born from famed watchmaker Louis Cottier, the world time watches divided the twenty-four time zones into day and night.
Patek Philippe stopped the production of world time watches in the late 1960s when Cottier passed away and only in 2000, did the reference 5110 come back into the catalogue.
Patek Philippe Nautilus, reference 3700
The white gold Omani Nautilus – from John Goldberger’s personal collection – sold for a staggering 1.3 million euros.

It was specially ordered by Sultan Qaboos of Oman and even features the Khanjar dagger and swords on the dial. As far as we know, it is one of only three examples specially made for the sultan.
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