Patrick’s resignation came at the height of the recession in 2008. During the global recession, exports of Swiss watches plummeted, with Rolex’s mid- to high-priced products being particularly hard hit. This reportedly led to a drop in sales of up to 40 percent, almost unthinkable by today’s standards and a huge inventory surplus. 
At the time, Rolex had just completed an investment program to rationalize its supplier network and achieve vertical integration through in-house production, which could have been disastrous for the brand.
“During his tenure, Rolex developed only one new model, the Yacht Prestige. However, during his 16-year tenure from 1992 to 2008, as CEO, he consolidated Rolex’s entire operations into four superbly advanced facilities, all located in Switzerland, creating excellent economies of scale that contributed significantly to the quality of modern Rolex replica watches.” The Forthcoming Heinrich Rolex Yachtmaster During his time at Rolex, Patrick chose to wear his favorite metal: the Day-Date in platinum, and as mentioned earlier, he introduced the Yachtmaster as we know it to the Rolex lineup.
The watch has been in the custody of the Heiniger family since it was first launched, but this weekend it will go under the hammer at an exclusive watch auction organized by the Monaco Legend Group on April 22 and 23 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Monte Carlo. The preview will take place from Thursday, April 20th to Saturday, April 22nd.
This watch is a platinum prototype commissioned by the Heiniger family. It is truly unique, dating back to the early 1990s, and celebrates the 10 millionth Rolex watch with a chronometer certificate. Equipped with a platinum Oyster bracelet, this copy Rolex watch features diamond hour markers, baguette sapphires at 6 and 9 o’clock, and triangular sapphires at 12 o’clock. Its distinctive platinum-colored dial bears the inscription “DIX MILLIONIEME CHRONOMETER.”
“In addition, the watch is made of the rarest metal, has an incredibly unique dial, it has an outstanding provenance directly from the family that marks the history of the Rolex company. This is a Rolex made by the Chairman of the company for their family and is a unique piece that has never been offered for sale.