Auctions

Elton John’s Leopard-Print Rolex Roars at Auction

AuctionsFeb 22, 2024

Elton John’s Leopard-Print Rolex Roars at Auction

Two Cartier watches also topped their estimates at Christie’s “The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road” evening sale.

Elton John’s leopard print Rolex Daytona watch
Elton John owned this 18-karat gold, 40 mm Rolex Daytona with leopard-print dial and strap, a model the brand introduced at Baselworld in 2004. The bezel has 36 square-cut, cognac-colored sapphires while the hoods between the lugs are set with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds. (Photo courtesy of Christie’s)
New York—A Rolex Daytona with a leopard-print dial formerly owned by Elton John was one of two record-setting watch sales on the opening night of Christie’s “Goodbye Peachtree Road” auction.

The auction, which continues through next week with online sales, features jewelry, watches, clothing, art and memorabilia the superstar singer collected over the years and kept in his condominium on Peachtree Road in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.

Elton John sold the condo, which he bought in the early ‘90s, last fall. 

As expected, the top jewelry/watch lot of the sale’s opening night was a circa 1991 Cartier “Crash” watch. 

 
Elton John Cartier Crash watch
Elton John’s Cartier “Crash” watch was one of only 400 Crash models the brand released in 1991. It sold for more than $275,000 at Christie’s on Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of Christie’s)


A buyer paid $277,200 for the 24 mm, 18-karat gold timepiece, more than double its highest pre-sale estimate of $100,000. 

The singer’s animal-print Rolex Daytona, set with a ring of cognac-colored sapphires and diamond hour markers, sold for $176,400, nearly triple its highest pre-sale estimate of $60,000. 

Elton John Cartier Tank watch
The EGOT’s diamond and sapphire Cartier “Tank Normale” sold for $176,400, more than five times its highest pre-sale estimate. (Photo courtesy of Christie’s)


And an 18-karat white gold Cartier “Tank Normale” watch with a baguette sapphire-set dial surrounded by a frame of diamond baguettes blew its $20,000-$30,000 pre-sale estimate out of the water, with a buyer paying $176,400 for the wristwatch. 

It also was a record for the model, Christie’s said.  

Together, the three watches garnered $630,000 against a high estimate of $190,000 total. 

Other jewelry/watch highlights from the auction include Elton John’s diamond necklace featuring the title of one of his ‘70s hits, “The Bitch Is Back,” which sold for $32,760, within its estimated range, and a Cartier ring set with a heart-shaped sapphire. 

A buyer paid $132,300 for the ring, more than its anticipated sale price of $50,000 to $80,000.  
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

In total, the opening night of Christie’s “The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road” auction garnered $8 million, with all 49 lots finding buyers. 

As anticipated, the top lot was Banksy’s “Flower Thrower” triptych. It sold for $1.9 million, topping its $1 million-$1.5 million estimate. 

The auction of items from Elton John’s former Peachtree Road home will continue with a day sale that begins today and closes Friday, and the online portions of the sale, which conclude on Feb. 27 and 28.

One of the online sales, “The Jewel Box,” features more jewelry and watches formerly owned by the singer from brands including Chopard, Hublot, Oscar Heyman, Stephen Webster, and Theo Fennell.  

The Latest

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

×

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