Watches That Made History
The relationship between time and legacy has never been more symbolic than in the watches that belonged to great historical figures
More than mere precision instruments, these pieces tell stories of power, glamour, and achievements. When brought to auction, these objects transcend their material value and become coveted relics sought by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Paul Newman and the Rolex Daytona
One of the most famous watches in auction history is the Rolex Daytona that belonged to actor and racing driver Paul Newman. The model, an iconic “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239, was a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, and bears the inscription “Drive Carefully, Me” on the back. The watch fetched an impressive US$ 17.8 million in 2017, making it one of the most valuable ever sold.
Henry Graves Jr.'s Patek Philippe
The legendary American banker Henry Graves Jr. commissioned one of the most complex watches of its time: the Patek Philippe Supercomplication. With 24 complications and crafted between 1925 and 1932, the model became a milestone in haute horlogerie. At a Sotheby’s auction in 2014, the piece sold for US$ 24 million, solidifying its status as the most expensive pocket watch ever auctioned.
Jackie Kennedy's Cartier
Jackie Kennedy, an icon of style and sophistication, owned an elegant 1962 Cartier Tank given to her by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw Radziwill. This watch, worn for years by the former First Lady of the United States, was auctioned by Christie’s in 2017, reaching US$ 379,000—over three times its estimated value.
Elvis Presley's Omega
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, received an exclusive 18k gold Omega in 1961 as a gift from his record label for selling 75 million records. The model, featuring a diamond-set dial, was auctioned by Phillips in 2018, fetching US$ 1.8 million—making it the most expensive Omega ever sold at auction.
Steve McQueen's Heuer Monaco
Steve McQueen immortalized the Heuer Monaco by wearing it in the film “Le Mans” (1971). The blue model with a square case became one of the most iconic watches in the history of cinema and watchmaking. In 2020, one of the examples worn by the actor was sold at auction for US$ 2.2 million.
A legacy that endures
The watches auctioned from great personalities are more than mere accessories: they are testaments to historical moments and to the personal style of those who wore them. When these pieces are sold at auction, they are not just objects that change hands but fragments of history that continue to leave their mark on eras and generations.
