How does one become an expert? In the world of social media-based watch dealers, the word watch expert can be misleading or at the very least something of an exaggeration. To truly be expert in the word of horology, one must have spent years handling and inspecting watches. Only then can the nuances and tell-tales be understood and acted on accordingly. Behind Monaco Legend Group are two such man, one who has spent more than three decades dealing and advising on watches and can truly be described as an expert, Davide Parmegiani, and the other Claude Cohen who founded Monaco Legend Group and is a jewellery expert and experienced auctioneer. Regarded as one of the most important watch dealers in the world, Davide Parmegiani deals in both vintage and modern watches from all brands, all with the leitmotif of quality; this is paramount in each and every watch he sells. With Parmegiani’s selection of watches and Cohen on the auctioneers rostrum, there is no stopping this dynamic duo.

This October, Monaco Legend Group is holding a special sale, dedicated to selling arguably the most significant private collection of Cartier timepieces. The watches in the collection have been sourced by Parmegiani over the past 25 years on behalf of the collector Marcello Fratini. Says Parmegiani, “Marcello Fratini, together with his brother Corrado, represent one of the most important Italian entrepreneurial families. Their interests range from real estate to fashion outlets, production of super Tuscany wines to collecting vintage cars.” The true dream for an Italian entrepreneur, Fratini enjoys the very finest in all that he collects which he has been able to do through his skill as a businessman and a very good eye for quality. “Marcello inherited from his father, together with a superb business sense, a great taste for beauty and the passion to be a collector. In his life he has insisted on collecting the very finest examples from whatever genre he has been focused on. This has included cars, properties, handmade firearms, fine art and of course watches.”

Unlike a lot of collectors, however, Marcello Fratini was never particularly interested in the value or the investment potential of his collections. Continues Parmegiani, “Marcello was much more focused on the rarity, quality and style of the watches he was buying. That’s how, after initial experiences in Rolex, Patek Philippe and other well-known marques, he fell completely in love with the exceptional charm and design of Cartier timepieces. At Monaco Legend Group, we are now proud to be able to offer Marcello Fratini’s ‘Cartier Timeless Elegance Collection’ of watches. A true example of passion that will now be offered to the next generation of collectors.”

Davide’s Picks – Highlights from the Sale

The first highlight is an exceptional and unique prototype Cartier Driver’s watch that was designed and produced in the late 1960’s by Cartier London for the former president and owner of the Cartier brand and manufacture Harry Lee Danziger. The watch was never commercially produced, but is accompanied by a letter from cartier confirming its provenance. The dial and movement are signed Blancpain. The watch will be auctioned with a catalogue estimate of €75,000 to 150,000.

The second highlight is a rare example of an automatic Cartier wristwatch with date and center seconds. The watch is housed in a yellow gold waterproof case with movable ‘ribbed’ lugs and was manufactured by Cartier in 1947. The watch will be auctioned with a catalogue estimate of €40,000 to 80,000.

This selection of the incredible designs and shapes of the “Cartier Timeless Elegance Collection” to be auctioned on October 16th by Monaco Legend Group.

More information at www.monacolegendauctions.com