This February, Christie’s extends an invitation to collectors and fans alike to an extraordinary event celebrating the legend, Elton John. Iconic items from his former Atlanta residence will be showcased in a series of eight prominent auctions, both live and online, at Christie’s Rockefeller Center. Among these items, a portion of Elton John’s watch collection will be auctioned. The sales, kicking off with an evening auction on February 21, offer a rare opportunity to own a piece of the singer’s rich history. In addition to watches, a vast array of items will be up for auction: from paintings to accessories, to furniture and collectible attire.
The Bond with Atlanta
Elton John’s bond with the city of Atlanta was far from coincidental. After his pivotal decision to become sober in 1990, he found refuge in the city’s warm community and recovery facilities. This bond was solidified in 1992 when he purchased his apartment at Park Place on Peachtree Road. Tash Perrin, Vice President of Christie’s Americas, emphasized the significance of this collection, stating, “It is a distinct privilege for Christie’s to collaborate with Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish in curating the upcoming auction: ‘The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road.'”
A Glimpse into Elton John’s World
The collection offers a dynamic insight into Elton John’s world. His home on Peachtree Road was not just a living space, but a gallery showcasing works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, and many others. Personalized artworks, such as “Your Song” by Damien Hirst and a portrait by Julian Schnabel, add an intimate touch to the collection. Christie’s will transform its Rockefeller Center Galleries into specially designed immersive spaces, allowing visitors to delve into the world of the singer.
An Exclusive Selection of Watches
The auction also features an exclusive selection of watches, each telling its own unique story and carrying a piece of Sir Elton John’s eclectic and unmistakable personality. Let’s take a closer look at some remarkable lots.
Lot 9: Rolex ‘Leopard’ Daytona
The first watch from the collection that we present is this timepiece that screams “Elton” just by looking at it. The Daytona Leopard is as eccentric and dazzling as its owner. The leopard motif on the dial and strap is enriched with a set of brilliant-cut diamonds for indices and lugs, while the yellow gold bezel is set with baguette-cut orange sapphires.
Estimate: EUR 37,000 – 55,000
Lot 399: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Baguette
The watchmaker of watchmakers knows how to amaze us in this case too. It’s not often you see a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control where the baguette diamonds takes up space on the bezel, maintaining an elegant style. The combination of the stones with a metal such as platinum is of great prominence. It is thought that this example dates back to around the 1990s and that it may have been purchased by Elton John around the 2000s.
Jaeger-LeCoultre also produced 3 versions with rubies, emeralds and sapphires (all very rare).
Estimate: EUR 11,000 – 16,000
Lot 38: Cartier Tank Normale Baguette
For this lot, we have a possibly unique Cartier as well. This 34.5 mm platinum London Tank is adorned with baguette-cut diamonds and rubies. Even in this watch, the spirit of Elton John is unmistakably evident.
Estimate: EUR 19,000 – 27,000
Lot 324: Cartier London Tank Diamonds and Rubies
For this lot, we have a possibly unique Cartier as well. This 34.5 mm platinum London Tank is adorned with baguette-cut diamonds and rubies. Even in this watch, the spirit of Elton John is unmistakably evident.
Estimate: EUR 14,000 – 23,000
Lot 325: Chopard Elton John Aids Foundation Piece Unique Model
If you thought there couldn’t be a watch more eccentric than the Daytona Leopard, I’m happy to prove you wrong. This 18-carat white gold Chopard chronograph, reference 1279, was specially created for the Elton John Aids Foundation. The singer’s customization is evident, as the classic white gold chronograph has been added a set of diamonds and, for those who hadn’t noticed them, two huge white gold skulls at 12 and 6 o’clock, also studded with diamonds. A watch that not only keeps time but also tells a story of compassion and support.
Estimate: EUR 9,000 – 14,000
Lot 397: Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Jalousie
This stunning Vacheron Constantin with a rectangular white gold case and diamond set, ref. 91002/000G, is both elegant and disruptive at the same time. The rectangular case and the white dial with small seconds express the timeless charm of those years, while the set of diamonds on the case reflects the sparkling personality of Elton John. This is made even more fascinating by the ability to close the dial with a mechanism very similar to that of shutters, giving the watch an even more classy touch.
Estimate: EUR 9,000 – 14,000
Lot 400: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak MOP Dial and Sapphire Set
The collection up for auction at Christie’s also includes a very particular Audemars Piguet. This 33 mm quartz Royal Oak in white gold has two stunning features: a set of baguette-cut sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds for the bezel and indices respectively, and a gorgeous blue mother-of-pearl dial.
Estimate: EUR 9,000 – 14,000
Lot 907: Franck Muller ref. 7000 QP E
Lot 907 is quite different from the other watches in the collection. Here we don’t have bezels with sets of sapphires, nor indices with brilliant-cut diamonds. This Perpetual Calendar Chronograph by Franck Muller also features moon phases, retrograde month, and leap year indication, all within a beautiful 39 mm diameter rose gold case. Furthermore, the dial configuration is unusual. Most models known with this reference are equipped with a white dial, the use of the black dial combined with the rosy details and the applied hour indices in gold give the watch a completely new charm.
Estimate: EUR 9,000 – 14,000
Lot 912: Cartier Pasha
This Cartier Pasha ref. 2495 is an extremely rare watch. In fact, it is a limited edition of only 20 pieces, of which this watch is number 9. In addition to the bezel with a pavé diamond set, there is also a diamond on the crown. The dial, on the other hand, is decorated using the cloisonné technique, an enameling technique where shapes are initially outlined by applying metal wires, and then enamel is poured inside.
Estimate: EUR 14,000 – 23,000
Final Thoughts
The auction promises not only the chance to own a piece of Elton John’s extraordinary collection but also the opportunity to experience the profound impact of his journey. With pieces ranging from exquisite watches to personal artworks, Christie’s offers a rare glimpse into the life of a true icon. Many of the watches presented are incredibly rare or even unique pieces, further enriched by having been worn by one of the
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