At the Monaco Legend Group auction on 22 and 23 April in Monte Carlo, the star will be an exceptional all-platinum Yacht-Master. It is a unique model Ref. 16620PT, a prototype made at the request of Patrick Heiniger, CEO of Rolex from 1992 to 2008, when he decided to retire "for personal reasons". Heiniger followed in the footsteps of his father André, who became CEO of Rolex in the 1960s, succeeding the founder Hans Wilsdorf.
In his 16 years in office, he has been the driving force behind many strategic changes to the brand, initiating the process of vertical integration of production. He also established the Rolex Mentor & Protegé programme, which brings together emerging artists and great masters for a year of learning and collaboration.
Patrick Heiniger is known to have commissioned some of the most important and valuable timepieces ever produced by Rolex, such as the only three platinum Daytonas with stone dials (Ref. 16 516). He had a particular love for platinum and the special Yacht-Master, now being auctioned by Monaco Legend Group, was commissioned by Heiniger to commemorate Rolex's ten millionth chronometer-certified movement, for which a specially engraved rotor was created.
"The watch is made from the rarest of metals with an incredible unique dial and comes directly from the family that has marked the history of Rolex," commented Davide Parmegiani, co-Chairman of the Monaco Legend Group.
This example, never before seen in public and belonging to the Heiniger family, thus marked an important moment in the history of Rolex. Incidentally, the Yacht-Master was the only new model introduced by Patrick Heiniger during his tenure, in his very first year as CEO.
The dial with its distinctive and exclusive shade of grey bears the inscription "Dix Millionième Chronomètre" and features a configuration of diamond and sapphire hour markers. The Oyster bracelet, also in patino, is fitted with a flip-lock clasp.
With a 40 mm case and the characteristic bi-directional rotating graduated bezel (in satin-finished platinum) that characterises this nautical Rolex model with its elegant and classic connotations, it is fitted with the automatic calibre 3135. Estimated sale value between €1,000,000 and €2,000,000.
