14 Rolex An extremely well preserved, attractive and rare, Queen Midas, wristwatch in yellow gold, with caseback sticker, guarantee and presentation box.

Estimate: € 12,000 –⁠ 24,000

In the late 1960s, Rolex unveiled the Midas collection, its most prestigious and, at the time, most expensive model. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the watch was crafted entirely from solid gold blocks, with a weight ranging between 150 and 200 grams, depending on the specific reference. Paying tribute to the mythical king with the Midas touch, its design was directly inspired by the iconic Greek Pantheon temple. Intriguingly, Midas models were made to be worn on the right wrist, as it was King Midas’ right hand that was said to possess the golden touch. The original King Midas model, reference 9630, was introduced as a limited edition of 1 000 pieces, followed by reference 3580, which was also produced in a limited series. Rolex later introduced a slightly smaller Queen Midas version, featuring the same distinctive design as its larger counterpart. However, one should not be deceived by its more practical case size as it rests exceptionally comfortably on the wrist. According to research, reference 3581 was limited to approximately 100 pieces in total, making it the rarest version in the Midas series. The present example of the Queen Midas reference 3581 is preserved in exceptional, nearly unworn condition, retaining its original case back sticker, an undated and unstamped Rolex certificate, and is further accompanied by its beautiful and rare original presentation case, designed in the form of a Greek vase.