A Unique Platinum Yacht-Master at Monaco Legend Group

André Heiniger became the president of Rolex in 1964, and was succeeded by his son Patrick Heiniger who helmed the company from 1992 to 2008. The Heiniger family were rightly proud of how they have brought all manufacturing in-house, so when the company hit 10 million chronometers, the milestone was marked by the creation of a specially engraved rotor, which was then placed in the specially commissioned platinum Yacht-Master. This watch has remained with the family until now, when it will be auctioned in Monaco.

The Heiniger family was responsible for establishing Rolex as the ultra-luxury brand that it is today, and André and Patrick were known to have created some of the most interesting and sought-after watches in Rolex collecting circles for themselves or friends. When these watches appear at market, they always command massive prices at auction, such as the trio of platinum Daytonas with unique stone dials (special reference 16516) that were sold over the past few years. The family also loved watches that were extravagant and fun, such as the Daytona reference 116598 SACO, known as the Leopard, that was devised by Patrick Heiniger and inspired by his then-girlfriend Nina Stevens.

Monaco Legend Group Co-Chairman, Davide Parmegiani, could not be more thrilled to have such a piece to offer in the spring sale. “Rolex spent the last 80 years marketing the importance of their movements and the fact that they are officially chronometer certified. Since the mid-1950s Rolex was pointing out that they were the leading brand making chronometers. So, we can truly understand how important it is that we have the 10 millionth officially certified chronometer in a prototype watch. Moreover, the watch is made of the rarest of metals with an incredible unique dial, and it comes with outstanding provenance directly from the family that made an important mark on the history of the Rolex company. Compare this to the $17 million paid for the Paul Newman, which was solely for the provenance that it was Mr Newman’s watch; this is a Rolex made by the President of the company for his family, and a unique piece that was never offered for sale. For me, this is something really incredible!