The Monaco Legend Auction recently concluded with a remarkable €22.26 million in sales. Among the 234 lots, ten standout watches, estimated under €20,000, fetched significantly higher prices.
Cartier Ellipse: A 1980s Classic
The Cartier Ellipse, a 1980s model from the New York boutique, features an 18-karat yellow gold case and bracelet. It houses a manually wound movement with 17 jewels.
Estimate: €4,000 - 8,000
Sold for: €16,900
Patek Philippe 1940s: Unique Bracelet Design
This Patek Philippe piece from the 1940s is notable for its spherical link bracelet, likely crafted by an independent jeweler, attached to an 18 mm yellow gold case.
Estimate: €5,000 - 10,000
Sold for: €20,800
Cartier Baignoire: A Rare 1960s Piece
This rare 1960s Cartier Baignoire, likely custom-made in Paris, has a 23 x 31 mm yellow gold case. It features a light gray dial with hand-applied Roman numerals and a manually wound movement.
Estimate: €4,000 - 8,000
Sold for: €23,400
Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" Ref. 2940
Dating to around 1945, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" Ref. 2940 features a 32 mm steel case and a salmon-colored dial with Roman numerals, its distinctive bulged case back accommodating the automatic rotor.
Estimate: €6,000 - 12,000
Sold for: €27,300
Piaget Coin "Al Saud" Watch
The 1970s Piaget Coin "Al Saud" model, part of the Coin Watch series, comes in a rose gold case with an intricately textured bracelet. Its case back is engraved with Saudi Arabia's emblem: a palm tree over crossed swords.
Its unique design suggests it was a gift for King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who reigned from 1964 to 1975.
Estimate: €7,000 - 14,000
Sold for: €28,600
Audemars Piguet Tank-Shaped
From the 1950s, this Audemars Piguet model, sold through Cartier boutiques, boasts an elongated lug design in 18-karat yellow gold, styled after the Cartier Tank. Natural oxidation and patina are visible.
Estimate: €6,000 - 12,000
Sold for: €32,500
Gerald Genta Perpetual Calendar
The 1990s Gerald Genta Perpetual Calendar features a diamond or trapezoid-shaped yellow gold case, with a perpetual calendar on an ivory dial. It includes day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phase indicators, powered by an automatic movement.
Estimate: €9,000 - 18,000
Sold for: €39,000
Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803
Circa 1961, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 is presented in a rose gold case with a classic President bracelet, stamped with a 1964 hallmark. It features an automatic calibre 1555 with an instant date change function.
Estimate: €10,000 - 20,000
Sold for: €40,300
Blancpain Villeret Perpetual Calendar Ref.5395
From the Six Masterpieces collection, introduced in 1986, this 1990s Blancpain Villeret model has a 34 mm white gold case with a mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds. The bezel is adorned with diamond chains and pairs with a rare Gay Frères bracelet made for Blancpain. It houses an automatic movement.
Estimate: €10,000 - 20,000
Sold for: €44,200
Rolex Prince: 1920s Art Deco Style
The 1920s Rolex Prince, crafted in silver with warm patina, features a two-section dial with a large seconds counter, earning it the nickname "doctor's watch." It exemplifies the art deco style in watchmaking.
Estimate: €8,000 - 16,000
Sold for: €45,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Piaget Coin "Al Saud" watch?
The Piaget Coin "Al Saud" watch is notable for its rose gold case engraved with Saudi Arabia's emblem, suggesting it was a gift for King Faisal.
How much did the Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" sell for?
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Bubbleback" Ref. 2940 sold for €27,300, surpassing its estimated value of €6,000 - 12,000.
Which watch had the highest auction sale price?
The Blancpain Villeret Perpetual Calendar Ref.5395 achieved the highest sale price, selling for €44,200, well above its estimate of €10,000 - 20,000.