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Philips will put up for sale the personal collection of watches of Italian publisher and watch expert Guido Mondani as part of the XIX Geneva watch auction, writes Hypebeast.

A prominent figure in the luxury watch industry, Mondani has published numerous books on watchmaking over a career spanning more than three decades. In addition, he is also an avid collector of Rolex and Patek Philippe models. Back in 2006, he put up part of his collection of vintage Rolex models for auction. Among this line, two models were recognized as the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold.

This time Mondani intends to auction off the rest of his collection. “I now feel ready to part with a watch that I thought was too special to sell 18 years ago. This event is further confirmation that my constant search for and acquisition of quality watches has brought me great satisfaction,” said Mondani.

The upcoming auction in Geneva will feature a total of 40 watches from the Mondani collection, including vintage wristwatches from Rolex, Longines, Eberhard and Patek Philippe. One of the main items of the sale was the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6269, which Mondani gave to his wife while on vacation in 1985. Estimated cost: $680,000 to $1.3 million.

It comes in an 18k yellow gold case with a dial and bezel set entirely with diamonds. Other highlights include the Rolex Ref. in 18k rose gold. 6036 “Jean-Claude Killy” from 1955, as well as a 1938 Eberhard Rattrapante chronograph, which Mondanii purchased from a retiring Eberhard & Co. salesman. back in 1988.

The Guido Mondani collection will be exhibited in Milan. On March 20, select watches will be on display in New York from April 3 to 5, and in London from April 19 to 21. The full collection will be on view at the exhibition starting May 8th. The Geneva watch auction XIX will take place from 11 to 12 May.

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