The Billion-Dollar Man and the GDP-Shattering Collection

Sandro Fratini is an Italian real estate mogul and collector. He owns “the World’s Largest Private Watch Collection” and also is a “globally recognized authority on vintage Rolex.”

His personal watch collection is estimated to be worth over €1 billion that comprises 2,000 timepieces. His watch collection surpasses Tuvalu’s and Nauru’s GDP. He is not just a collector but also an archivist. He started collecting watches as a passion and historical significance and not just for investment. His family background involves real estate and fashion. He has a hotel chain (L’Orologio) and family company (Rifle jeans).

The Collector: Sandro Fratini’s Horological Philosophy

At first communion when he was eight or nine years old he developed an interest in watches when he received a decent, mixed-metal Longines watch.

The value of the watch was not much of a driving force, instead its internal mechanism the “wheel train” that fascinated him. Soon he started buying watches like Universal Genève with his savings.

The Special Collections: The Crown Jewels of Time

Rolex – Daytona “Paul Newman”

Fratini is a globally recognized authority on vintage Rolex, particularly for his highly collectible “exotic dial” Daytonas. His collection includes extreme rarities in the untouched condition of this model.

Patek Philippe: Ref. 2499

It is one of the most significant and exquisite high-complication watches ever made. He owns multiple vintage Patek perpetual calendar chronographs which is a hallmark of his elite collecting.

Rolex – Oyster Perpetual

Fratini specifically mentions this being among the watches in his collection, these represent a historically crucial and foundational model in Rolex’s history.

Tissot – Telemeter Chronograph

This illustrates his admiration for historically significant tool watches beyond the typical luxury brands. These are significant because of their unique complication and design.

Squale1521

This demonstrates his love for professional, lesser known diver and tool watches, these are highly priced by niche collectors and the historical utility.