Lugano hosts Monaco Legend Group's "Exclusive Timepieces" auction: an unmissable event

On June 5, 2025, the prestigious Villa Principe Leopoldo in Lugano will be the stage for the "Exclusive Timepieces" auction organized by Monaco Legend Group. With 166 lots in the catalog, the event promises to be a landmark for collectors and watch enthusiasts, offering rare pieces of exceptional historical value.

An auction of international significance

Monaco Legend Group, a renowned auction house specializing in collectible watches, will present a curated selection of unique timepieces in Lugano. The auction will be divided into two sessions: the first at 10:30 am and the second at 2:30 pm. Among the most anticipated pieces are iconic models from brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin.

Enzo Fulginiti: collector of cars and watches - Locts 1-56

With a curious gaze and a smile that communicates charm and confidence, Enzo Fulginiti embodies the spirit of a life lived with passion. A successful insurance entrepreneur and a native Piedmontese, his existence extends far beyond the business world: automobiles, haute cuisine and exceptional watches are the passions that define his refined and personal style.

Fulginiti is internationally known as a great Jaguar collector, starring in prestigious automotive events, including the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. But it is not only cars that tell his story: a lover of gastronomy and beauty, he shares friendships and passions with star chefs, naturally living a culture of taste that is reflected in his extraordinary collection of watches.

The result of decades of personal choices that were never dictated by fashions, his collection includes rare and fascinating timepieces: from sophisticated Patek Philippe references to architecturally complicated Franck Muller watches to prestigious models from Rolex, Breguet, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Each watch tells a story of passion and discovery, forming a unique portrait of a man who always sought beauty and timeless elegance.

Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 "Round Keys" Beyer - Lot 146

One of Patek Philippe's most iconic references, the 1463 was produced from 1940 to 1969 and is famous for being one of only two water-resistant vintage chronographs from the maison. Known as the "Round Keys" because of its characteristic round pump buttons, this reference is rare and sought-after in itself. But the specimen presented here is an exceptional case.

The first striking detail is the dial: originally silvered, it has acquired over time an extraordinary two-tone patina, pink and champagne, the result of natural and uniform aging. Making the piece even more unique is the signature of the Zurich-based Beyer dealer, among the oldest and most prestigious in the world. This is the only known example of ref. 1463 to bear this double signature, a detail that adds to its historical and collectors' importance.

Traditionally, steel 1463s have straight lugs, while gold ones have curved lugs. This yellow gold watch, however, has straight lugs, like the steel models. An anomalous feature that suggests the hypothesis of a special production for a Beyer customer eager for a gold chronograph but with more sporty features.

The case, numbered in 1942, also represents the earliest ref. 1463 in yellow gold known today, predating the other documented examples by more than 150,000 numbers. This suggests that Patek Philippe initially used the steel design for early gold cases as well, refining it only later.

With clearly legible hallmarks, an unprecedented configuration, and an unrepeatable dial, this Ref. 1463 represents much more than a rare watch: it is a discovery that enriches the very history of the waterproof chronograph according to Patek Philippe. For the discerning collector, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 "Frying Pan"

There are watches that excite and others that impress. But rarely do we encounter one capable of exceeding all expectations, leaving even the most experienced collectors in silent admiration. Such is the case with this extraordinary Patek Philippe reference 3448 in white gold, a one-of-a-kind specimen in terms of configuration and history.

Introduced in 1962, Reference 3448 is considered a milestone in watchmaking, Patek Philippe's first automatic perpetual calendar. The white gold version, made in less than 80 pieces, is the rarest and most sought-after. This example, produced in 1973, is further distinguished by a lacquered black dial with large Breguet numerals, made to order in 1985. A detail that transforms it from a classic icon into an absolutely unrepeatable piece.

The dial reveals exceptional craftsmanship: the lacquering, typography, and depth of reflections testify to Patek Philippe's excellence of execution. The case, with sharp lugs and stepped bezel, is beautifully preserved. It is completed by a matching white gold bracelet, the original box, and a detailed dossier from Tortella & Sons certifying its uniqueness and provenance.

Next to the legendary references 1518, 2499 and 2438, this 3448 represents a chapter unto itself in the history of the perpetual calendar according to Patek. With its unprecedented configuration and impeccable condition, it is an absolute rarity intended for true connoisseurs.

Estimate: CHF 1,500,000 to 3,000,000

Rolex Dato-Compax Ref. 4767 "Jean-Claude Killy" - Lot 79

Few watches in the history of Rolex can match the technical sophistication and charm of the Dato-Compax series. Among them, Reference 4767 holds a special place: it is the first full calendar chronograph encased in an Oyster case, symbolizing the meeting of complication and water resistance. Introduced in 1947, it represents the origin of the most sophisticated family of Rolex chronographs, produced in very limited quantities until 1962.

The series, now known by the nickname "Jean-Claude Killy" in tribute to the Olympic champion who wore the last version (ref. 6236), includes four references: 4767, 5036, 6036 and precisely 6236. Together with the rare moonphase references (6062 and 8171) and the split-seconds 4113, they represent the exception in Rolex's history dominated by professional tool watches.

The specimen presented here, in yellow gold, is among the most fascinating ever to emerge. Over time, the case has acquired a beautiful gold patina, a sign of authentic preservation that has never been altered. The engraving under the lugs is still crisp, as is the knurling on the case back. The dial, with Arabic numerals and dot radium hour markers, is perfectly legible and consistent with the era. The radium hands also show a pleasing tropicalization, which amplifies the character of the watch.

Reference 4767 in yellow gold is not just a timepiece: it is a rare bridge between Rolex's technical soul and its brief forays into haute horlogerie, an extraordinary chapter for the discerning collector, and a symbol of when Rolex was able to go beyond its own myth.

Rolex Ref. 6062 "Stelline" - Lot 88

When it comes to iconic watches, Rolex's Reference 6062 holds a place of honor. Introduced in 1950 at the Basel Fair, it was one of the first creations to combine water resistance with refined complications such as the moon phase and full calendar. Together with Reference 8171, it represents one of the very few vintage Rolexes equipped with a moon phase display, making it a particularly coveted specimen among collectors.

Produced in steel, yellow gold and rose gold, the yellow gold version-as the one offered here-is among the most popular. What makes it even more special is the "Stelline" dial, featuring star-shaped hour markers that lend a unique, almost poetic elegance. The dial displays a delicate patina that testifies to its history, while the peripheral scale with blue numerals ensures legibility and charm.

Also of special note is the moon phase disc, made using the champlevé enamel technique by the famous Stern Frères. The case, signed on the inside by the 12 mark of Genex - a division of Gay Frères - reflects the high quality of execution typical of the best Rolexes of the time.

In excellent condition and accompanied by its original yellow gold bracelet, this Rolex 6062 with Stelline dial represents a rare jewel of watchmaking, capable of captivating today and in the future. A rare piece, both technical and aesthetic, destined to remain among the most desired masterpieces of collectibles.

Audemars Piguet x Cartier Chronograph from 1961 - Lot 118

Audemars Piguet's vintage chronographs are among the rarest and most sought-after watches, with just over 300 examples produced between 1930 and 1962. One unique piece stands out in this small group, exceptional in design and provenance: a 1961 chronograph, the only known one with a Cartier-signed dial.

Made in collaboration with the historic Parisian maison, the watch features an 18-karat yellow gold case with refined lines, slim curved lugs, and beveled bezel. On the inside of the caseback appears Poinçon de Maître No. 166, the mark of the celebrated Henri Jeanneret, one of the most highly regarded craftsmen of the time. The combination of his craftsmanship and Audemars Piguet's signature movement further elevates the value of the watch.

The understated and elegant dial displays a uniform beige patina, complemented by a blue tachymeter scale on the outside and a black inner minute track at 1/5th of a second. The three counters - small seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours - follow the house's classic style. But it is the "Cartier" signature at 12 o'clock that makes this timepiece extraordinary: a hallmark that testifies to its manufacture for a very select clientele.

The watch is accompanied by a Certificat d'Authenticité issued by Cartier in 2012, confirming its origin and production with an Audemars Piguet movement. A one-of-a-kind piece, the result of an exceptional collaboration between two legendary names in watchmaking, and a true gem for the collector who seeks history, rarity and perfection in one watch.

Patek Philippe Ref. 130 in steel and rose gold - Lot 137

Patek Philippe's Reference 130 is one of the house's most iconic chronographs, produced from 1934 until the 1960s and prized for its harmonious 33 mm proportions and timeless design. The specimen presented here is of absolute rarity: a steel and rose gold version, a configuration that has appeared on fewer than twenty occasions at auction.

Distinguishing it from the standard versions are the shorter, sturdier lugs, which give it a more pronounced aesthetic presence. The dial, two-tone with a tachymeter scale, mixed gold hour markers and the long signature "Patek, Philippe & Co.", is a perfect example of the stylistic variety that characterizes the Reference 130.

Making it even more special is the signature of retailer Hausmann & Co., one of the historic names in Italian watchmaking, active in Rome since 1794. A rare detail that enhances the collector's value of the watch, further strengthened by the original documentation: Extract from the Archives and letter attesting to its sale at Hausmann.

This is not only a magnificent example of one of Patek Philippe's most important chronographs, but a true time capsule, a witness to 20th-century watchmaking excellence.

 

Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4082 - Lot 142

Vacheron Constantin's Reference 4082 is one of the rarest and most fascinating chronographs ever made by the historic Geneva manufacture. Introduced in 1940 and produced in an extremely limited series, it is powered by the 21-ruby caliber 295. According to research, only six examples exist in yellow gold and 12 in rose gold, making it one of the maison's most elusive references.

This example is further distinguished by the presence of a 45-minute chronograph counter, an unusual configuration compared to the 30-minute standard adopted on most other 4082s. Also contributing to the model's uniqueness are the lugs, with a double stepped design and hooded shape, which enhance its stylistic personality and make it instantly recognizable.

Put up for public auction for the first time, the watch is as striking for its rarity as for its timeless elegance. The perfectly symmetrical silvered dial features applied mixed Roman and baton hour markers, complemented by a tachymeter scale. Preserved in exceptional condition and accompanied by an archival extract confirming its production in 1940, this 4082 represents a key chapter in the history of Vacheron Constantin.

For collectors in search of excellence, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: an outstanding piece, a testament to the technical and aesthetic refinement of the house.

Audemars Piguet Skeleton Ref. 5036 - Lot 124

Skeletonizing a movement by hand is one of the most complex and refined operations in watchmaking. It requires extreme precision, artistic sensitivity and great experience. Every non-essential part is patiently removed, leaving only the elements essential to operation, which are then engraved and finished by hand with extraordinary care. The result is a mechanical masterpiece in which technique and aesthetics come together without compromising chronometric precision.

Reference 5036, made by Audemars Piguet around the 1950s, is most likely one of the maison's first wristwatches to feature a skeletonized dial. The rectangular case, in exceptional condition, retains intact its original enamels with applied Roman numerals on the bezel and bears clearly visible markings between the lugs at 12 o'clock, confirming its authenticity.

Extremely rare, this reference has appeared on the market in very few examples in recent years, making it one of the most coveted among collectors. In an excellent state of preservation, it represents a wearable work of art, capable of fascinating both connoisseurs and those approaching the world of haute horlogerie for the first time.

 

A growing market

Interest in vintage watches continues to grow, with collectors seeing in these pieces not only luxury items, but also safe investments and testaments to craftsmanship. The Lugano auction represents a unique opportunity to acquire examples of great historical and collector value.

Practical information

  • Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

  • Location: Villa Principe Leopoldo, Lugano

  • Sessions: 10:30 a.m. (lots 1-56) and 2:30 p.m. (lots 57-166)

  • Preview in Lugano: June 3 (2-8 p.m.) and June 4 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)

For more details and to view the complete catalog, you can visit the official Monaco Legend Auctions website: monacolegendauctions.com.

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