Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual ShowMore than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
AuctionsMay 14, 2019
Marlon Brando’s ‘Godfather’ Rolex Breaks Record at Auction
A buyer made an offer on the Rolex Datejust that Kruse GWS Auctions couldn’t refuse.
This Rolex Datejust was gifted to Marlon Brando after he won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.”
Los Angeles—Kruse GWS Auctions set a world record this weekend when it sold a Rolex once owned by actor Marlon Brando for nearly $50,000.
The “Archives of Hollywood & Music Auction” featured a 31 mm stainless steel Rolex Datejust given to Brando after he won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1973 for his portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.”
The “Archives of Hollywood & Music Auction” featured a 31 mm stainless steel Rolex Datejust given to Brando after he won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1973 for his portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather.”
The watch sold for nearly $50,000 at the “Archives of Hollywood & Music Auction” in Los Angeles.
It’s fitted with a black leather strap and the name “Vito” is engraved on the back, a nod to the iconic character.
The watch sold for $49,200, more than four times the original estimate of $10,000 to $12,000. It set the record for the most expensive stainless steel Rolex Datejust watch ever sold at auction, Kruse GWS Auctions said.
Brando held onto the watch for a few years before giving it his friend, Academy Award-nominated costume designer Patricia Norris.
The auction featured other Hollywood highlights, including the signed Elvis Presley Graceland purchase contract, which sold for $27,060, and the Catwoman costume worn by Michelle Pfeiffer in “Batman Returns,” which sold for $11,080.
The Brando-owned Rolex is the latest in a line of watches from the brand to exceed expectations and set records at auction. In fact, the title of most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction currently is held by a Rolex.
The Rolex Daytona that once belonged to Paul Newman (before the “Paul Newman Daytona” was a thing) sold for $17.8 million at Phillips in October 2017.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald EarringsThey’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond ReportsThe most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.
Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las VegasThe industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in VegasCreated by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin DeterminationNavigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service OfferingsThe marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerThe jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCKLuxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company HeritageOne of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor RelationsRob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New BrokerageWith the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in BrooklynIt is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education SessionsFrom consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 HonoreesThey will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond GradingGemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough CompsThe company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023Sponsored by Noam Carver
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity NowAs cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and ExpandingThe Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.
