PARIS.- On October 15th, Artcurial will auction three exceptional timepieces: two complicated watches from Patek Philippe and a special commission by Cartier bearing the likeness of Prince Rainier III.

These three watches, entrusted by the descendants of Pierre Rey – a close advisor to the Prince and a key figure of post-war Monaco – tell a chapter of Monaco’s history. Their exceptional provenance, rarity, and state of preservation place them among the most precious horological objects to have emerged on the market.

The first watch, reference 1415, in rose gold with a pink “Pink on Pink” dial, embodies the discreet elegance and technical mastery of Patek Philippe in the production of complicated wristwatches.

Produced from 1939 to 1954, it is one of the first watches to feature the “World Time” complication developed by watchmaker Louis Cottier, allowing the wearer to instantly read the time in different time zones in major capital cities.

A similar model, in the same special “Pink on Pink” configuration, is on display in the Patek Philippe Museum collections.

Launched in 1941, Patek Philippe's reference 1526 was the first mass-produced wristwatch with a perpetual calendar. It represents a milestone in the history of watchmaking.

This variation with large applied Arabic numerals, nicknamed “Big Arabic”, is among the most sought-after by collectors.

The Patek Philippe 1526 “Pierre Rey” is also characterized by the rare presence of French import hallmarks inside the case, such as the words “Fab Suisse” and the owl's head hallmark, attesting to its specific destination for the French market.

The third timepiece of this exceptional collection is a unique secret watch by Cartier. Created at the request of the Principality, this watch takes the form of an opening coin bearing the effigy of Prince Rainier III and concealing a secret watch movement.

The watch reprises the motif of the first official coinage depicting Prince Rainier III (created one year after his accession as sovereign prince on May 9, 1949). The coat of arms, bearing the motto “Deo Juvante” (With God's help), embodies the fundamental principles of the Principality: dynastic legitimacy, resilience in the face of external threats and political unity.

Preserved in its original case, this watch reflects Cartier's exceptional expertise in jewellery and secret watchmaking. Never has a timepiece from the Maison so perfectly embodied the adage that Cartier is “The King of Jewelers and the Jeweler of Kings”.