EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
AuctionsDec 11, 2017
Joe DiMaggio’s Patek Philippe Sells for $281K
The baseball legend owned the Ref. 130 for more than 50 years.
It’s believed that the owners of the New York Yankees gave Joe DiMaggio his Patek Philippe Ref. 130, pictured here, in 1948.
New York--Christie’s New York put a pretty special lot on the auction block Thursday evening: a historically significant watch owned by a baseball legend.
A highlight of the auction house’s “An Evening of Exceptional Watches” sale was Joe DiMaggio’s Patek Phillipe Ref. 130, a watch he owned for more than 50 years and which sold for $281,250 (including buyer’s premium).
Its hammer price put it right in its pre-sale estimate range of $150,000 to $300,000.
The Ref. 130 was first chronograph to be given a reference number. Patek Phillipe launched it in 1934 and produced it until the 1960s. The 18-karat gold chronograph wristwatch features applied gold Breguet numerals set against a silvered dial.
“The fact that these numerals were Arabic, rather than Roman, shows that the piece was specifically made for American tastes,” said John Reardon, international head of Christie’s watch department. “The likes of Howard Hughes and (aviation pioneer) William Boeing were especially fond of them, and they helped start a trend on this side of the Atlantic, whereas in Europe watches still tended to bear Roman numerals.”
The DiMaggio Ref. 130 sold at Christie’s also had with what the auction house thought could be its original strap, likely the one worn by the baseball player himself.
DiMaggio is regarded as one of the most legendary players to ever wear the blue-and-white pinstripes of the New York Yankees.
He set a record in 1941 when he went on a 56-game hitting streak, and he won nine World Series titles during his 13 years with the New York Yankees (1936 to 1951; he served for three years as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII).
Following his retirement in 1951, DiMaggio was married to Marilyn Monroe briefly.
He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
Details around the original purchase of the hall of famer’s Patek Philippe Ref. 130 aren’t clear, but some believe that the owners of the New York Yankees gave the timepiece to DiMaggio. He acquired it in 1948 and kept it until his death in 1999.
The watch went to auction in 2006 at Hunt Auctions as part of the Joe DiMaggio Auction and had been in a private collection since.
It also was one of the highlights of the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition held in New York this year.
“An Evening of Exceptional Watches” totaled $9.9 million at Christie’s.
Leading the sale was a Rolex Oyster Sotto Daytona Ref. 6263 signed by Paul Newman that sold for $1.1 million.
Another Rolex appeared at No. 2, this one a 14-karat gold version of the John Player Special Paul Newman Ref. 6241. It garnered $672,500 Thursday evening.
The sale also put on the block a Cresarrow Watch Co. silver travel watch once owned by Amelia Earhart.
Amy Johnson, an iconic British aviator, gave it to Earhart as a gift. The caseback is engraved with the words “To Amelia, In Sincere Admiration, Amy.” When she received the watch in 1932, Earhart already had earned the title of the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
It sold for $75,000.
Another Rolex appeared at No. 2, this one a 14-karat gold version of the John Player Special Paul Newman Ref. 6241. It garnered $672,500 Thursday evening.
The sale also put on the block a Cresarrow Watch Co. silver travel watch once owned by Amelia Earhart.
Amy Johnson, an iconic British aviator, gave it to Earhart as a gift. The caseback is engraved with the words “To Amelia, In Sincere Admiration, Amy.” When she received the watch in 1932, Earhart already had earned the title of the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
It sold for $75,000.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
