Exclusive Timepieces 22 – 23 April 2023 | Monaco
Auction Details
The Monaco Legend Group team has put together an astonishing selection of rarities in the horological field. From the Unique Piece Rolex Yachtmaster, former property of the late President of Rolex Patrick Heiniger, to an outstanding example of the Patek Philippe 2523-1. Not to mention the great selection of rarities destined for Middle Eastern market, such as a Rolex Submariner and Daytona from the Sultanate of Oman and a steel Daytona with UAE emblem on the dial.
Many thanks to Auro Montanari, alias John Goldberger, Roberto Randazzo and George Pakkos for their significant help in supervising the catalogue and to Eric Tortella for his assistance in searching for some of our rarest Patek Philippe watches in his database and releasing his passport of authenticity for them.
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Session I: Saturday 22 April, 2:30 PM – lots 1 to 100
Session II: Sunday 23 April, 10:30 AM – lots 101 to 164
Session III: Sunday 23 April, 2:30 PM – lots 165 to 261
197 Rolex Very Rare and Perfectly Preserved, Monoblocco, Anti-Magnetic Chronograph Wristwatch, in Steel, Retailed by Serpico y Laino, Reference 4537
Estimate: € 70,000 – 140,000
Sold € 162,500
Model: Monoblocco
Reference: 4537
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1946
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 72
Case N°: 470670
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
This is an exceptional Rolex reference 4537, one of the most sought-after by collectors around the world. Its production began immediately after the end of the Second World War to finish a few years later. Unlike the current standards of Rolex with massive amounts of production, of the reference 4537 was realized, it is believed, a little less than 100 copies, making it an almost impossible object. This is the first chronograph to present 3 counters on the dial instead of the usual two and the modernized “tonneau-shaped” Oyster case. In fact, it replaced reference 4048 which still featured the more round “Calatrava-style” case. A predecessor of reference 6034, reference 4537 was available in yellow, pink gold or in stainless steel. The present lot is a stunning specimen in steel, preserved in beautiful conditions. The rarity of this lot is given by the great conditions of the case, the two push down buttons for the chronograph and the very nice dial. The silvered dial, gracefully aged over the years, has a warm tone with the telemeter and tachymeter scale both in black to the outside that create subtile and handsome features mixed with the applied Arabic and triangle numerals. The argentè background is amazing and it is impossible not to notice and fall in love with the signature in the middle: the Serpico y Laino retailer. In business since 1925 and based in Caracas, Venezuela, the famous shop has had the privilege of stamping their name on vintage Rolex watches, obtaining the exclusive right to sell it in Venezuela. The rarity, condition and special features that equip this lot make this a unique opportunity for collectors of vintage steel chronographs.