453 South Spring St. Suite 1100.
Los Angeles, California 90013.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting event. You can register for the auction and explore the entire catalog on Monaco Legends Group’s website. From vintage Cartier, Patek, and Rolex treasures to hidden gems and iconic grail pieces, there’s something for every watch aficionado to cherish and admire. As Sunday afternoon approaches, we eagerly anticipate an exciting outcome for this exceptional collection of timepieces.
The Monaco Legend Group’s “Exquisite Timepieces” auction is scheduled for October 21st and 22nd, with proceedings commencing at 2:30pm CEST. For further details and registration, please visit their website.
Tyler and I dedicated a substantial amount of time to this watch, instantly capturing our attention during our initial catalog preview. The early 1980s marked a pivotal period for Patek Philippe, setting the stage for transformative changes within the brand and positioning it for future success. As a case in point, we’ve witnessed a recent surge in appreciation and desirability for the reference 3940 and similar trends with the reference 3974. The latter shares many characteristics with the 3940, but it introduces a minute repeater complication, which may go unnoticed at first glance. This subtle addition of a minute repeater elevates the watch’s complexity and charm, making it a hidden gem for those who appreciate horological excellence.
This is the ultimate grail piece; undoubtedly, any Patek Philippe reference 1518 is highly sought-after and iconic. Out of all the 1518s that have graced the market over the past decade, this specific 1518 is undeniably stunning, standing out as one of the finest examples I’ve had the pleasure of viewing. I’ve only come across a few of these exceptional timepieces. Still, this one truly takes the cake, especially with its period-correct yellow gold mesh bracelet, which adds a remarkable touch of additional elegance.
Early Cartier watches have been a particular focus of my attention, especially those crafted with a distinct purpose in mind. This timepiece is made by Cartier in 18k yellow gold and pays meticulous attention to detail and elegance. While fundamentally a tool watch, it seamlessly encapsulates Cartier’s signature artistry and creative design. What makes this watch a favorite is the regal engraving and its shape, which evokes the image of a person wearing it while driving an automobile in the late 1930s or 1940s. I can’t help but imagine a well-dressed driver, hands on the wheel of a classic automobile, and the Cartier watch gracing their wrist as they navigate winding roads or pull up to elegant soirées. It’s a testament to Cartier’s ability to seamlessly blend form and function, creating both a practical tool and a work of art, all in a single wristwatch.
It’s nearly impossible not to mention the Rolex reference 6062 when discussing grail-level Rolex timepieces, given its profound significance in Rolex’s legacy and horological history. These references are increasingly rare, particularly in their original state. We’ve encountered a handful of these watches throughout our years in the industry. Still, the example currently up for bidding stands out as one of the most exceptional, genuine, and stunning pieces we’ve ever personally handled.
The distinctive “Pyramid” markers on the dial provide an added architectural dimension to the already beautifully aged dial, and the case’s condition impeccably showcases the enduring design integrity of the original Genex (Gay Frères) craftsmanship.
This exceptionally rare Cartier Magnum Tank Triple Calendar Moon Phase watch has been held in a private collection for the past 35 years, with its last recorded sale taking place at a Tokyo auction on December 15, 1989, when it fetched a price of $120,000 USD. What makes this timepiece particularly intriguing is its collaborative creation by both Cartier and Audemars Piguet, where Audemars Piguet produced the movement for Cartier. Extensive recent research and archival work, conducted in partnership with Cartier and the Audemars Piguet archives, have now brought this remarkable watch back into the market.
Vintage Cartier watches with complications always pique interest, but what sets this specific example apart is its astonishingly beautiful layout, design, and execution. Furthermore, the historical partnership between Cartier and Audemars Piguet represents a unique and intriguing chapter in horological history when brands used to collaborate more closely, in contrast to the independent approach commonly seen in today’s modern age. Additionally, take a moment to appreciate the white pearl adorning the winding crown. This timepiece is truly to die for!
Observing this Deco-era platinum Patek Philippe in photographs provides one perspective, but handling this watch in person delivers an entirely distinct experience. The emotional response elicited by this timepiece, combined with its unparalleled rarity, elevates it to the realm of fine art rather than just another wristwatch. In terms of proportions, the overall design and case impeccably capture the essence of the era from which the watch originates without feeling outdated or out of place when worn today. This underscores the forward-thinking design prowess of Patek Philippe during that period. The ornate detailing across the dial is executed with such meticulous precision that its intricacy becomes even more remarkable under close examination. Without a doubt, this is one of the most thrilling lots in this auction, or even among all the watches offered this year. As Sunday afternoon approaches, we eagerly anticipate an exciting outcome.
The octagonal shape is a design motif found in the Cartier catalog, but it is more commonly associated with watches like the Ceinture or the Santos. However, these watches are not true octagons but rather octagon-esque in their design. This specific example crafted in white gold is genuinely stunning. The black dial with white numerals and silvered hands exudes a distinctly cool aesthetic. Moreover, the fact that this watch originates from the London house in the 1980s, a period known for its most exciting and intriguing designs, such as the iconic Crash model, adds to its allure. After closely examining this watch, it quickly rose to the top of our picks for this auction.
It’s no secret that I’m a passionate fan of Rolex Daytonas, especially the Paul Newman Daytonas. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of handling, acquiring, and ultimately selling quite a number of these iconic timepieces. However, this 1969 Rolex Daytona RCO reference 6263 stands out as one of the most exceptionally beautiful and captivating Paul Newman Daytonas I’ve ever encountered.
The ROC dial has developed an astonishingly beautiful tropical brown patina that closely resembles a perfect cup of espresso. The tropical dial is quite unlike anything else I have ever seen. The warm brown tropical dial shows body, depth, and dimension quite literally; as I gazed at this watch, it evoked a mouthwatering sensation. The rich brown hue of the dial creates a striking contrast with the white subdials and black bezel. Among all the grail-level Paul Newman Daytonas, I believe this particular Daytona will forever haunt my dreams. Without doubt, this watch will set a record for daytonas and will likely not be beaten for quite some time.
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