Few factors can increases the value of a vintage watch quite like its once having belonged to a celebrity. Whenever a watch owned by a celebrity or historical figure goes on the block at auction houses like Antiquorum and Christie’s, bidding can be expected to go well beyond the estimated value. Below we look at notable “celebrity” watches, once owned by iconic entertainment and sports stars, sold at auction within the past few years.
1. James Dean’s Elgin pocketwatch
Joe Dimaggio’s Bulova Accutron
At its April 10, 2013 auction of ?Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces? held in New York City, Antiquorum auctioned a Bulova Accutron owned by baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio. Joltin’ Joe’s Bulova Accutron watch is a rare asymmetrical model, with a water-resistant, stainless steel case and electronic movement. The watch sold for $20,625, over five times its high estimate of $4,000. 4. Charlie Chaplin’s Rolex Oyster
The Rolex owned by Charlie Chaplin
At the same auction, Antiquorum also offered a Rolex Oyster, made circa 1945, owned by silent film star Charlie Chaplin. The watch was notable not only for having belonged to Chaplin, but also for it’s rarity as one of the few left-handed models produced by Rolex during this period. The watch was accompanied by four vintage photos and various authenticating correspondence. The Rolex sold for $51,250, over four times its high estimate of $12,000.
5. Jean-Claude Killy’...