Watches

Clapton’s Rolex, Wiesenthal’s Patek Going Up for Auction

WatchesMar 24, 2022

Clapton’s Rolex, Wiesenthal’s Patek Going Up for Auction

The timepieces, once belonging to men with very different public images, are part of Phillips’ upcoming watch auction in Geneva.

20220324_Phillips Geneva header.jpg
The three watches leading Phillips’ upcoming Geneva watch auction are, from left, a Rolex chronograph “Crazy Doc” Ref. 6239 that once belonged to Eric Clapton, a Patek Philippe Ref. 1503 originally owned by Simon Wiesenthal, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in pink gold with a pink dial.
Geneva—Luxury watches that once belonged to men with near-polar-opposite public images are expected to be among the top lots at an upcoming Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo auction in Geneva.

“The Geneva Watch Auction: XV” is scheduled to take place in May, led by a “Crazy Doc” Rolex once owned by Eric Clapton, a Patek Philippe originally owned by Simon Wiesenthal, and an “outstanding example” of a pink gold Patek Ref. 1518 with a pink dial.

The “Crazy Doc” Rolex is a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 with a pulsations scale, the only known yellow gold Ref. 6239 with the pulsations scale on the dial.

The watch is estimated to sell for more than CHF 1.5 million ($1.6 million).

Regarded as a music legend and one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Clapton’s image has taken a hit recently after he spoke out against lockdowns imposed to curb COVID-19 and publicly expressed skepticism about vaccines, befuddling and alienating longtime friends and fans.

Clapton’s stance on vaccines had some recalling another controversial incident from the musician’s past—a racist rant he went on at a 1976 concert in Birmingham, England, that he later apologized for, blaming it on the severe drinking problem he had at the time.

The watch going up for auction in May is not being sold by Clapton personally. Phillips said Clapton bought the watch in Italy in the 1990s and sold it at auction in 2003, the first time the musician, a noted watch collector, ever publicly sold watches under his name.

It is being marketed as a Rolex “Crazy Doc” that was “formerly part of the collection of Eric Clapton.”

The Patek Philippe once owned by Wiesenthal is a Ref. 1503 in stainless steel with a black glossy dial and Breguet numerals that was made in 1941. It is one of only two known examples of this configuration.

Born on Dec. 31, 1908, Wiesenthal was a Jewish-Austrian Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to championing justice and human rights, bringing Nazi criminals to justice and making sure the Holocaust and its victims were never forgotten.

Wiesenthal died in 2005, but his name and work lives on in the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a global Jewish human rights organization.

Phillips said Wiesenthal’s Patek Philippe Ref. 1503 first appeared in the market in 2007, consigned by his family. It has not been seen on the market since.

The watch is expected to sell for CHF 250,000-500,000 ($268,000-$536,000). 

The final watch rounding out the auction’s top three is a Patek Philippe pink gold Ref. 1518 with a pink dial. 

Phillips said the pink gold/pink dial is one of the most wanted versions of the Ref. 1518, a reference that has generated a “market increase” in interest among collectors recently. 

The estimated sale price on the Patek pink gold Ref. 1518 is CHF 1.2 million-2.4 million ($1.3 million-$2.6 million). 

All three watches are pictured above.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV is a live sale scheduled for May 7 and 8 at Hôtel La Réserve.

It follows another Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo auction, “The Royal Oak 50th,” a sale of 88 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches, on May 6.

Like most of the fine jewelry and watch markets, Phillips is coming off a strong year, with sales for its Watches department totaling $209.3 million in 2021 and selling 100 percent of lots across all sale locations.

Alexandre Ghotbi, head of watches for Phillips in continental Europe and the Middle East, and Tiffany To, Geneva’s head of sale, said the Geneva sale is a “tightly curated” selection of timepieces that demonstrate the savoir-faire, and technical and design prowess of the watch industry.

“These are watches that will attract the budding enthusiast and speak to the seasoned collector. However, what they all have in common is their rarity, state of preservation, and relevance.”

For more on the upcoming Geneva auction, visit the Phillips website.

The Latest

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

ja-btyb-topimage.png
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
MajorsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

Zoë Kravitz in Rush Hour Collection
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office Wear

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2025
10-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Expected to Sell for $20M

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

American Gem Society Jewelry Evaluation Advisor logo
MajorsMar 19, 2025
AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSA

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Beck pieces created for residency at Trove
CollectionsMar 18, 2025
Beck Debuts New Collection as Trove’s Latest Designer-in-Residence

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMar 18, 2025
Peter Smith: The Importance of Culture in Hiring

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

Finks Jewelers Emmy award
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2025
Fink’s Jewelers Is Now a Regional Emmy Winner

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

Borsheims Assistant IT Manager David Fager
MajorsMar 18, 2025
Borsheims Names New Assistant IT Manager

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

The 2025 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh GIA jewelry design
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent Award

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

 Joseph Cavalcante Tous managing director
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VP

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

Continental Buying Group logo
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 Days

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

Stafford’s Diamonds closing ad
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 Years

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Alan Zimmer
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter Award

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Tanishq Atlanta store
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Chopard Insofu emerald collection
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

×

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