FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
AuctionsJul 15, 2019
Marlon Brando’s Rolex from ‘Apocalypse Now’ Up for Auction
Thought to be lost, the watch with a hand engraving from Brando himself will hit the block at Phillips this winter.
Actor Marlon Brando wore this Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” in 1979. The watch will go up for auction at Phillips New York in December.
New York—Another watch from the archive of films featuring Academy Award winner Marlon Brando will be up for auction this winter.
On Dec. 10 the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 worn by the actor in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” will be part of the Phillips New York “Game Changers” sale. The thematic auction is dedicated to watches once owned by people considered game changers in their field.
Released in August 1979, “Apocalypse Now” is seen as one of Coppola’s greatest accomplishments as well as one of Brando’s most iconic performances.
In it, he played the role of Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a former Green Beret who goes rogue running his own military unit in Cambodia during the Vietnam War.
Brando said he wore the watch, manufactured in 1972, to the set in the Philippines and was told he had to remove it during film because it would stand out.
Brando argued: “If they’re looking at my watch, then I’m not doing my job as an actor.”
He said the filmmakers let him wear the watch, but he decided to remove the bezel, resulting in its unique look.
It also features an engraving on the caseback, “M. Brando,” hand-engraved by Brando himself (pictured below).
In 1995, Brando gave the watch to his daughter, Petra Brando Fischer, as she was getting ready to head to law school at the University of Southern California.
He reportedly handed her a hand-written letter in which he told her he was proud of her accomplishments, then gave her the Rolex GMT-Master and said, “This watch is like a tank. You can do anything you want to it and it will keep on going. I want you to have it as a reminder of how proud I am of you.”
Brando Fischer gifted the watch to her husband, Russel Fischer, on their wedding day in 2003.
The Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is being offered as she received it—without a bezel and fitted on a rubber strap.
The watch was thought to be lost. Its sale in December marks its first time being shown publicly and offered for sale since Brando acquired it in the early 1970s.
A company spokesperson said a pre-sale estimate for the watch has yet to be decided; it will be listed in the catalog as “estimate upon request.”
Phillips said Brando Fischer and her husband would like the public to remember Brando’s contribution to film and his legacy through the sale of the watch.
“Russel and I believe this watch is a piece of movie history that belongs in the hands of a collector who will give it the prominence it deserves,” she said.
A portion of the sale proceeds will assist a charitable foundation the two established, which provides financial support to children who are living with serious hardship due to abuse, neglect, poverty, or disability.
Kruse GWS Auctions set a world record in May when it sold another of Brando’s Rolex watches for nearly $50,000.
Phillips’ “Game Changers” sale Dec. 10 will include collectors’ models from leading watch brands that have “changed the course of watchmaking and watch collecting,” alongside other timepieces notable for their provenance, condition or rarity, like the Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day‐Date announced earlier this year.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
