On April 26 and 27, 2025, the Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco will become the epicenter of the watch-collecting world as Monaco Legend Group stages a breathtaking auction of rare timepieces. With an extraordinary catalog featuring coveted creations from Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, this event marks another chapter in the auction house’s storied history. From military-provenanced Rolexes to avant-garde Patek Philippe designs, the sale promises to enthrall collectors and connoisseurs with pieces that encapsulate both historical significance and mechanical brilliance.
The Rise of Monaco Legend Group: A Legacy in Time
Monaco Legend Group’s journey began in 2016 when Claude Cohen, a visionary in the auction world, founded the house with a mission to celebrate the artistry of 20th-century horology. Cohen’s ambition was clear: to create a platform that would not only cater to seasoned collectors but also elevate Monaco’s status as a global hub for luxury and heritage. The turning point came in 2019 with the arrival of Davide Parmegiani, a titan in the vintage watch community whose expertise spans nearly four decades. Parmegiani, who had previously operated out of Italy and Lugano, Switzerland, brought with him an unrivaled network of collectors and a deep knowledge of rare timepieces. In 2024, the team expanded further with the addition of Corrado Mattarelli, a respected specialist whose passion for horology has enriched the group’s offerings.
Parmegiani’s reputation precedes him. “I’ve held some of the world’s rarest watches and forged personal relationships with the most prominent collectors,” he reflects. His career began in the 1980s in Italy, where he cultivated an eye for exceptional craftsmanship, later expanding his influence across Europe. Since settling in Monaco, he has transformed Monaco Legend Group into a beacon for horological enthusiasts. “Our international credibility is built on years of experience and a worldwide community of aficionados,” he explains. Today, the auction house is a trusted advisor to elite collectors and institutions, its name synonymous with authenticity and excellence.
A Historic Auction Tradition
The April 2025 auction continues a tradition that has seen Monaco Legend Group redefine the watch auction landscape. Since its first major sale in 2017, the house has consistently delivered record-breaking results, cementing Monaco’s place alongside Geneva and Hong Kong as a premier destination for horological auctions. Past highlights include the sale of a 1950s Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” for over €1.2 million in 2021 and a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph that fetched €1.8 million in 2023. These milestones underscore the growing appetite for vintage watches, a market that has surged in value over the past decade, driven by rarity and provenance.
The upcoming event will feature approximately 250 lots, with estimates ranging from €5,000 to well over €1 million. “The demand for collectible watches has never been stronger,” Parmegiani observes. “Our catalog reflects the vibrancy of this market and the discerning tastes of today’s collectors.” Among the standout pieces is a stainless steel Rolex GMT “Albino” Ref. 1675, distinguished by its ultra-rare white dial and documented military history—a combination that could see it surpass €500,000. Another gem is the Rolex Ref. 6062, a stainless steel model with a moon-phase calendar and automatic movement, preserved in pristine original condition. Its Oyster case and intricate complications make it a holy grail for Rolex enthusiasts, with estimates starting at €800,000.
Patek Philippe’s contribution includes a striking asymmetrical yellow gold watch designed by Gilbert Albert in the 1960s. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this avant-garde piece exemplifies the brand’s willingness to push boundaries, blending art and engineering in a way that resonates with modern collectors. “Finding such treasures is a monumental challenge,” Parmegiani admits. “The supply of truly exceptional watches dwindles every year, making events like this all the more significant.”
The Stars of the Show: A Closer Look
The Rolex GMT “Albino” Ref. 1675 is a testament to the brand’s military legacy. Introduced in the 1950s as a tool watch for pilots, its rare white dial—nicknamed “Albino” for its deviation from the standard black or brown—sets it apart. This particular example, linked to a military provenance, adds a layer of historical intrigue that collectors prize. Similarly, the Rolex Ref. 6062, launched in 1953, represents a pinnacle of mid-century innovation. With its moon-phase display and triple calendar, it was one of the most complex watches Rolex ever produced, and its survival in original condition is a rarity in itself.
The Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the experimental spirit of the 1960s. Albert, a visionary designer who joined Patek Philippe in 1955, sought to redefine luxury watchmaking with bold, sculptural forms. This asymmetrical piece, crafted in yellow gold, is one of only a few known examples, its scarcity amplified by its impeccable provenance. “These watches aren’t just timekeepers—they’re stories,” Parmegiani says. “Each one carries a legacy that resonates with collectors on a profound level.”
A Global Showcase: Exhibitions and Anticipation
To build anticipation for the auction, Monaco Legend Group has organized a series of international exhibitions, bringing these masterpieces to collectors worldwide. The first stop was Geneva, where the Eternity Gallery hosted a display from March 31 to April 2. Set against a backdrop of contemporary art, the event highlighted the intersection of horology and aesthetics. “There’s a natural synergy between art and watch collecting,” Parmegiani notes. “Both are driven by a pursuit of beauty and rarity.”
The tour continues in Dubai from April 9 to 11 at Opera Gallery DIFC, a venue that reflects the Middle East’s growing prominence in the luxury market. Finally, on April 24, the collection will return to Monaco for an exclusive preview at the Méridien Beach Plaza, just days before the auction. These exhibitions offer a rare chance to examine the watches up close, from the intricate engravings on the Patek Philippe to the weathered patina of the Rolex GMT. For many attendees, it’s a prelude to fierce bidding wars.
Monaco’s Moment in Time
The April 26-27 auction is more than a sale—it’s a celebration of horology’s past, present, and future. Since Claude Cohen laid the foundation nearly a decade ago, Monaco Legend Group has grown into a global force, its auctions drawing participants from New York to Tokyo. The addition of Parmegiani and Mattarelli has only heightened its allure, their combined expertise ensuring that each event is a masterclass in curation. “This is an extraordinary occasion,” Parmegiani concludes. “We’re honored to present such a remarkable selection to our clients and to reinforce Monaco’s place at the heart of the watch world.”
As the gavel prepares to fall, collectors and investors alike will watch closely, knowing that these timepieces represent not just luxury, but history captured in steel, gold, and glass. For more information on the auction and exhibition schedule, visit Monaco Legend Group’s official website.
