The encounter between two such passionate individuals as publisher Guido Mondani and Osvaldo Patrizzi, founder of the world’s leading horological auctioneers, Antiquorum, was bound to lead to the spectacular spring auction to be held in two phases on April 1st and May 13th in Geneva. Since Antiquorum celebrated its 30 years of growing success in 2004, its springtimes seem to be dedicated to a major monobrand sale, as was the case last year for Vacheron Constantin (see GMT no. 11) on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the brand symbolised by the Maltese Cross. There too, a travelling exhibition toured the world prior to coming under the hammer of Osvaldo Patrzzi. There are rumours in the auction rooms that Omega might well be the next great brand on the list.

Twenty years after being given a yellow gold moonphase Rolex (ref. 8171) as a birthday present from his wife, Guido Mondani is parting with the fabulous collection he has patiently built up during his travels over the past two decades. In addition to the undoubtedly significant proceeds of this historic sale, Mr. Mondani will also be left with a book immortalising these twenty years in quest of Rolex, entitled “Rolex; Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches,” naturally written by Osvaldo Patrizzi and published by Guido Mondani. The pair had indeed already published a first reference work in 2001 entitled “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, a must-have for any self-respecting Rolex connoisseur.

Why such a thirst for a single brand? Rolex is of course the watch brand with the world’s most widespread reputation, which also manages to maintain its golden image as a universal symbol of success. “Rolex inspires confidence”, says Guido Mondani, who points out in an interview with Augusto Veroni that “Rolex still offers unbeatable value for money”. According to him, “some say they don’t like them, but they do it to be non-conformist at all cost”. Rolex watches have indeed always been reliable performers at auctions, even though they are far from reaching the elevated price positions monopolised by Patek Philippe.

According to watch expert Etienne Leménager, this collection is all the more exceptional in that 70% of the lots are sold with their original certificate and their presentation box. It encompasses the entire Rolex universe, from the first models launched the 1910s and 20s through to new introductions, ranging from quartz watches to a white gold diamond-set Daytona model, military watches made for the British army or Comex models, as well as others with enamelled dials and even a Panerai with a Rolex movement. The auction will be conducted in a random manner so as to maintain suspense right up to the end of the two afternoons. The Antiquorum expert anticipates a new price record for a Rolex auction with reference 6062 in gem-set yellow gold with triple date and moon phases: its black dial with diamond hour-markers makes it one of the only two known black-dial Rolex watches, the other one having belonged to a famous prince of Thailand. Its estimate speaks volumes about the speculative fever that may well surround it, since it ranges between SFr 250,000 and 350,000. What’s more, it may even be overtaken by reference 4113, a 1942 split-second chronograph produced in a limited edition of just 12 and estimated at between SFr 300,000 and 400,000. Calling all Rolex lovers; there will be something for all budgets!

All information available on WWW.ANTIQUORUM.COM