On April 20 and 21, the lights will be turned on one of Monaco's most anticipated watchmaking events of 2024: the "Exclusive Timepieces" auction organized by Monaco Legend Group. This celebration of watchmaking sophistication and history will see the sale of 278 lots, including examples from prestigious houses such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Gerald Genta and Vacheron Constantin, embracing both modern and vintage models.

Among the most important pieces that are sure to attract the attention of enthusiasts and collectors are the Rolex rattrappante and a rare Patek Philippe single-pusher rattrappante, which once belonged to Sir Henry Segrave, a famous British racing driver known for his speed records.

The event will be divided into three sessions: the first will take place on Saturday, April 20, followed by two Sunday sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, ensuring an entire weekend of watchmaking passion.

Leading the Monaco Legend Group's private sales department is Davide Parmegiani, assisted by Claude Cohen, while Andrea Parmegiani, an experienced watchmaker, will manage operations. With the "Exclusive Timepieces" auction, Monaco once again confirms itself as one of the world capitals in the field of haute horology, offering not only an opportunity to admire and purchase unparalleled watches, but also to immerse oneself in the history and excellence that each piece represents.

Rolex Rattrapante ref. 4113 for sale in Monaco

The Monte Carlo sale at MonacoLegend promises to be one of the most extraordinary auction events in recent years. Among the pieces that will be nadded an exceptional place belongs to the Rolex rattrapante chronograph reference 4113, owned by legendary collector Auro Montanari, also known as John Goldberger.

This is one of the rarest and most sought-after treasures in the Rolex watch field, a true one-of-a-kind, produced in a single series in 1942, it has the distinction of being the only split-time chronograph produced by Rolex, adding another level of exclusivity to this already extraordinary piece. With a case diameter of 44 mm, the Rolex 4113 not only represents the largest watch ever made by Rolex, but it is also one of the thinnest split-time chronographs ever produced, underscoring its exceptionality. Produced in an extremely limited series of only 12 pieces, with serial numbers ranging from 051313 to 051324, the limited production makes this watch one of the most exclusive and hard-to-find Rolex pieces.

The complication of the rattrapante or split-second mechanism allows for precise measurement of different time intervals, thanks to the dual start/stop and reset buttons. Although extensive research has been done, the complete history of this model remains partly shrouded in mystery. Originally intended for aviation pilots, it appears that these watches found their market primarily in Italy and the automotive world, a theory supported by the presence of both a telemetric scale, used for military or aviation purposes, and a tachymeter, more commonly associated with racing. The intriguing details surrounding the Rolex 4113 contribute to its appeal and mystery. The 44 mm stainless steel case is significantly larger than many chronograph models of its time, expressing strength and timeless elegance. The finely crafted lugs, with their meticulous attention to detail and characteristic side step, add to its appeal.

The dial features clear applied baton and Arabic hour markers and large auxiliary dials for chronograph functions, ensuring the watch's legibility at a glance. Inside, the renowned Valjoux 55 VBR movement, known for its reliability and precision, underscores the watch's exceptional quality and performance. Given its rarity and extremely limited availability on the market-with only 8 examples known to the public today-the Rolex 4113 has become a highly coveted collector's item. Surviving examples achieve significant prices at auction, reflecting its esteemed place among watch enthusiasts and cementing its status as an iconic and highly desired piece in watchmaking history.

The example presented here, never before seen in an auction, comes directly from the renowned collection of Auro Montanari, also known as John Goldberger. Known for his meticulous care of watches, Goldberger's ownership ensures the utmost care in preserving the integrity of this watch. Notable features include the deeply engraved and clearly visible serial numbers on the case back and the original stepped lugs, still sharply defined. The dial, with its oversized subdials, double scale, and Arabic/stick numerals, remains impressive, displaying the enduring beauty and functionality of this exceptional timepiece. Accompanied by the famous cheese-knife-shaped opricasse, a unique gift to Goldberger from a fan, the mystery and exclusivity of this watch lies not only in its technical prowess, but also in its unique history, making it a true gem for Rolex enthusiasts and elite collectors. Never mentioned in Rolex catalogs or available on the public market, it occupies a special place in watchmaking lore, known primarily through anecdotes, thus increasing its mystery and cementing its status as a testament to Rolex's enduring legacy.

Thisexceptional split-seconds chronograph ref. 7J from Patek Philippe testifies to the power of watches to encapsulate stories, embodying the story itself. It reveals a narrative steeped in resilience, fatality and friendship, marking it as a potentially unique offering at auction, both in its configuration and its unparalleled history. Highlighting its importance, two similar pieces are on permanent display at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, with a remarkable history of similar examples reaching high figures of $1 million at auction. Made in the late 1920s, this cushion-shaped yellow gold chronograph from Patek Philippe is extremely rare and sought after by collectors for its unique design and large, yet elegant case, unusual for the time.

The silver-plated dial, adorned with striking black-enameled Breguet numerals, vertical counters, external tachymeter scale, and Art-Deco decoration, makes this watch not only a timepiece but a relic of its era. The watch's provenance is unparalleled, elevating it to one of the most significant and historically important wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. The movement, produced by Victorin Piguet before the Great Depression in 1927 and sold during this period in 1929, carries with it a fascinating history, underscored by the engraving "de Hane Segrave - from HGSJr 1929." The recipient, Sir Henry O'Neal de Hane Segrave, an American-born British racing driver known for his world speed records, received this watch as a gift from Harry Gordon Selfridge Jr. the son of the American retail magnate. This piece not only symbolizes their friendship, but also travels through a fascinating story involving aviation and motor racing legends. The watch's narrative is deepened through its connection with Amelia Earhart, an American aviation pioneer and the first woman to solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Earhart became an influential figure in aviation, setting numerous records and promoting commercial air travel, marking this incredible Patek Philippe as a piece worn by figures of monumental historical importance. His journey, from Segrave to Earhart, through moments of triumph and tragedy, gives this watch a character full of feeling rarely found in watches. Offered for the first time at auction, this watch is not simply a part of Patek Philippe's illustrious history, but a tangible piece of American and global heritage, with evidence that the watch was owned and worn extensively by all three figures, Selfridge, Segrave and Earhart. . In addition, photographic evidence was found showing Segrave and Earhart wearing and enjoying the watch during the period of ownership. It has been meticulously restored by Patek Philippe, with documentation from the Atelier, an Extract from the Archives and documentation of "in-depth study" by Mr. Tortella and Sons.

This sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a watch that transcends timekeeping, offering a direct connection to the wrist and lives of iconic 20th-century figures.

Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust is an enduring icon in the watchmaking world, boasting a legendary history that ranks it among the most iconic and influential watches ever created. When it debuted, this collection marked a significant moment as Rolex's first self-winding wristwatch with a date display. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Bubblebacks of the 1930s, its larger case size earned it the eye-catching nickname "Ovettone." In 1953 Rolex introduced the 6304 and 6305 models, both all-steel, succeeding the short-lived production of references 6104 and 6105. The main distinction between the two lay in the bezel, knurled for the 6305 and smooth for the 6304. The one for sale at Monaco Legend is a fascinating Rolex Datejust ref. 6304, with an exceptionally rare platinum Oyster case that shows minimal wear over its extraordinary 60 years of existence.

This platinum model is one of only three or four known examples and the only one to bear the signature of Serpico Y Laino, a renowned Venezuelan dealer active from 1925 to 1966, adding an additional level of exclusivity. Preserved almost as new-old-stock, this exceptional timepiece was sold with a strap, confirmed by the never-before-seen platinum buckle, the only one known with this feature, a rarity among counterparts typically sold with Jubilee bracelets.

Safely housed in one of the most distinguished Rolex collections, its exceptional quality and rarity position it as one of the most coveted watches in today's market. Further enhancing its appeal is the signature on the dial of renowned Venezuelan retailer Serpico Y Laino, celebrated as one of the leading watch dealers in South America. The case back bears the inscription "S&L," showing another level of exclusivity. Surprisingly, the inscriptions are deeply engraved and clear, underscoring the watch's nearly immaculate condition and minimal wear by its previous owner. The special dark gray matte dial has the special configuration with applied baguette hour markers and brilliant-cut diamonds and still features the OCC (Officially Certified Chronometer) at 6 o'clock identifying the automatic movement. This platinum Rolex Datejust 6304 is a truly exceptional and rare gem, perfectly blending history, craftsmanship and exclusivity into an unparalleled watch.