Auctions

Michael Caine’s Rolex Sells for $133K at Auction

AuctionsMar 03, 2022

Michael Caine’s Rolex Sells for $133K at Auction

The actor’s personal collection, including jewelry designed by his wife, Lady Shakira Caine, went up for auction at Bonhams.

20220303_1-Michael Caine.jpg
A photograph of Sir Michael Caine and his wife, Lady Shakira Caine. A collection of their personal items, including his Rolex watch, recently hit the auction block at Bonhams.
London—A collection of Sir Michael Caine’s personal items, from his gold Rolex watch to pairs of his iconic glasses, hit the auction block at Bonhams Wednesday.

Caine’s acting career has spanned six decades, starring in films like “Alfie,” “Get Carter,” “The Cider House Rules,” for which he won an Oscar, and several Batman movies, playing beloved butler Alfred.

Caine and his wife, Lady Shakira Caine, are downsizing and said they were ready to part with several mementos from his career.

“It’s going to be quite a wrench to part with so many treasured parts of my life and career, but it’s the right time to be moving on. I hope these mementoes will give their new owners as much pleasure as they have given us,” Caine said in a press release about the auction.

SEE: Michael and Lady Caine’s Watch Collection


The 183-lot sale was 100 percent sold, bringing in £847,000 ($1.1 million), against a presale estimate of £314,000 ($419,900).

His 18-karat gold Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date (Ref.19018/19000) sold for £100,000 ($133,500), not including the premium, far exceeding the estimate of £8,000-£12,000 ($10,680-$16,000).

The top lot set an auction world record for that particular model, said Bonhams.

Caine has owned the watch since 1979, and it’s appeared in several films, including “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

A Breitling Navitimer (Ref.80360/E56059) was also up for auction, selling for £8,500 ($11,350), far exceeding the estimate of £700-£900 ($935-$2,100).

Launched in 1985, Caine was an early fan of the Breitling Aerospace titanium analogue and LCD digital display bracelet watch, said Bonhams, and wore it often in the 1990s and early 200s, making it one of the most worn watches in his collection.

“The Breitling Aerospace was on Sir Michael’s wrist in 2008 when he was quite literally cemented into history, signing his name and placing his hand and footprints into the ‘Forecourt of the Stars’ outside the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood,” said Bonhams.

 Related stories will be right here … 

A Traser H3 Black Storm Pro, circa 2000, was also up for sale. It sold for £3,200 ($4,270), flying past the estimate of £100-£150 ($133-$200).

Caine first began wearing the carbon fiber military-style calendar wristwatch in 2005, and he wore it to the London premiere of “Batman Begins.”

Lady Caine’s Patek Philippe La Flamme (Ref.4816/3), circa 1990, featuring a cream sigma dial with diamond-set hour markers and a diamond-set bezel, was also up for auction.

It sold for £15,000 ($33,400), more than double the high-end of the £5,000-£7,000 ($6,680-$9,350) estimate.

A selection of jewels designed and worn by Lady Caine were also on the auction block.

SEE: Lady Caine’s Jewelry Collection


She said she was inspired to create jewelry after visiting “The Costumes of Royal India” exhibition, curated by the late Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, which ran from Dec. 20, 1985, to Aug. 31, 1986, according to Bonhams.

“Being Indian, I was inspired by all of the Mogul jewelry. Indian jewelry will always live on. It’s alive, vibrant, and always worn with pride. It gives you a spark, a lift,” she said at the time.

She brought her designs to Harrods in London, later launching a line of accessories.

During the late 1980s, her jewels were sold at Harrods and Harvey Nichols in London, Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, alongside other accessories.

Her line consisted of 30 necklaces, 40 pairs of earrings, and 20 bracelets.

“The bracelet and necklaces offered in this sale are from Shakira Caine’s personal collection, and they clearly reflect her taste and individual style during a very creative period in her life as a designer,” said Charlie Thomas, head of sale at Bonhams.

Seven of her eight jewelry lots were sold, with one being withdrawn.

Meanwhile, a portrait of actor Caine by artist Lincoln Townley sold for £19,000 ($25,370), well above the estimate of £10,000-£15,000 ($13,350-$20,000), with all proceeds going to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a U.K. charity which the Caines have long supported.

The Latest

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

Kate Spade Movado watches
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in Watches

The fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Harry Winston Rare Jewels of the World
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in Shanghai

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

SSEF logo
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education Scholarships

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy