The Rolex Yacht-Master with a platinum case and bracelet, which belonged to former Rolex president Patrick Heiniger and was made in 1992 to commemorate the brand's ten millionth chronometer-certified movement, was sold at auction by Monaco Legend Group a few days ago for the astonishing sum of €2,316,800.
It is a unique piece, Ref. 16620PT. It is a prototype that was made at the request of Heiniger himself, CEO of Rolex between 1992 and 2008, the year he decided to retire.
During his 16-year tenure, Heiniger was the driving force behind many strategic changes at the Crown House, in particular initiating the process of vertical integration of production.
Heiniger had a particular fondness for platinum and this Yacht-Master was made, in particular, to celebrate Rolex's ten millionth chronometer-certified movement, for which a specially engraved rotor was created.
The dial, with its distinctive shade of grey, bears the inscription "Dix Millionième Chronomètre" and features hour markers made of diamonds and sapphires. At 3 o'clock is a date window with a Cyclope lens.
The patino Oyster bracelet is fitted with a flip-lock clasp. With a 40 mm case in platinum with a satin-finished bidirectional rotating graduated bezel (also made of platinum), it uses the automatic calibre 3135.
This Yacht-Master thus marked a very important moment in Rolex's history. Moreover, the Yacht-Master was the only new model introduced by Heiniger during his first year as CEO of the company.
