Standout Lots from the Monaco Legends Auction in Lugano
On 4 June 2026, Monaco Legends held its latest auction at Villa Principe Leopoldo in Lugano. Nearly every lot found a buyer, with total proceeds reaching CHF 16,267,125.
Several watches achieved prices well above their pre-sale estimates, including a number of vintage Cartier models from the mid-twentieth century. Among the standout lots were examples from Cartier, Rolex and Jaeger-LeCoultre, along with an unusual Boucheron creation combining jewellery and watchmaking.
Cartier Tank Obus Savonette
One of the auction's strongest results came from a yellow gold Cartier Tank Obus Savonette dating to the 1960s.
The watch features a hinged gold cover that conceals the dial when closed. Five cabochons decorate the case, including the traditional cabochon crown. Two additional cabochons serve a decorative purpose, while the pair positioned at the bottom operate the mechanism that releases the cover.
Estimate: CHF 80,000-160,000
Sold for: CHF 325,000
Cartier Baignoire Oblique London
Produced by Cartier London around 1967, the Baignoire Oblique London sold for CHF 250,000 against an estimate of CHF 50,000-100,000.
Its defining characteristic is a case rotated approximately 30 degrees relative to the strap, creating an unconventional appearance. According to specialists, only two other examples from this series are currently known.
Estimate: CHF 50,000-100,000
Sold for: CHF 250,000
Rolex King Midas Ref. 9630
Among the most notable Rolex results was an early King Midas Ref. 9630 from approximately 1961.
The watch belongs to the first generation of the King Midas collection, of which fewer than 800 examples were produced. This particular piece carries the serial number 003. Like the earliest examples in the series, it does not feature the "King Midas" engraving on the side of the case. Another unusual detail is the placement of the "Swiss" signature beneath the Rolex logo at the top of the dial rather than above 6 o'clock.
Estimate: CHF 30,000-60,000
Sold for: CHF 125,000
Cartier Tank Obus London
Another strong Cartier result came from a Tank Obus London produced around 1967.
The model takes its name from the distinctive lugs, whose shape resembles artillery shells. Its ivory-coloured dial has developed an even patina over time. The watch also has matching numbers on the caseback and clasp.
Estimate: CHF 20,000-40,000
Sold for: CHF 218,750
Cartier Tank Normale London
A yellow gold Cartier Tank Normale London from approximately 1949 also exceeded expectations.
Particularly noteworthy was its guilloché dial featuring a cross-hatched pattern. Combined with the slightly domed crystal, the surface creates attractive reflections and changing light effects across the dial.
Estimate: CHF 20,000-40,000
Sold for: CHF 175,000
Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238
This yellow gold Day-Date Ref. 18238 from around 1988 features an obsidian dial that contrasts with the warm tone of the case.
The watch is also illustrated in Pucci Papaleo's reference book DAY-DATE, The Presidential Rolex on pages 412 and 413.
Estimate: CHF 18,000-36,000
Sold for: CHF 112,500
Jaeger-LeCoultre Lady Cuff
Dating from the 1930s, this yellow gold bracelet watch is set with faceted citrines ranging in colour from honey tones to golden amber.
Hidden within the centre of the composition is a manually wound movement.
Estimate: CHF 12,000-24,000
Sold for: CHF 45,000
Rolex Datejust Ref. 16014
A steel Rolex Datejust Ref. 16014 from approximately 1988 sold for CHF 50,000 and features a malachite dial.
The watch also carries additional provenance, having previously belonged to French actor Romeo Sarfati.
Estimate: CHF 10,000-20,000
Sold for: CHF 50,000
Cartier Santos Carrée "75th Anniversary" Ref. 2960
Another strong result came from the Cartier Santos Carrée "75th Anniversary" Ref. 2960.
Released in 1979 to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the original Cartier Santos, the model departed significantly from traditional Cartier design codes. Instead of Roman numerals and a railway minute track, it features a minimalist red dial without markers. The crown is fitted with a matching red cabochon rather than the more familiar blue stone. The watch is powered by an automatic movement.
Estimate: CHF 4,000-8,000
Sold for: CHF 52,000
Rolex Datejust Ref. 16000
Another watch formerly owned by Romeo Sarfati also outperformed its estimate.
This steel Datejust Ref. 16000 features a tiger's eye stone dial.
Estimate: CHF 4,000-8,000
Sold for: CHF 20,000
Boucheron Minaudière Watch
Among the most unusual lots of the auction was a Boucheron Minaudière Watch dating from the 1930s.
The piece combines a silver minaudière evening clutch with an integrated wristwatch. The central section of the case is decorated with an openworked floral motif executed in rose gold. The clasp incorporates a rose gold watch featuring an enamel dial and an intricately engraved floral pattern around the case. Inside is a manually wound movement.
Estimate: CHF 4,000-8,000
Sold for: CHF 16,250
Cartier Leads the Selection
Cartier models made up a large part of the selection, particularly vintage pieces from the middle of the twentieth century. Several of them sold for more than twice their high estimates, including the Tank Obus Savonette, Baignoire Oblique London, Tank Obus London and Tank Normale London.
Rolex was also represented by notable results, including an early King Midas and Datejust models fitted with decorative stone dials.
Leave a comment