In a recent auction at Christie’s, legendary musician Elton John, a true icon in the music industry, parted ways with some of his prized possessions, including three watches, in the first batch of lots. The auction, a highly anticipated event, saw impressive results, with one standout piece stealing the spotlight – Elton’s Cartier Crash ‘Paris’ Limited Edition from the 90s.
The Cartier Crash, renowned for its distinctive design and frequent celebrity sightings, lived up to its status as an ‘it watch.’ Elton John’s version, with its unique provenance, surpassed expectations by selling for an impressive US$277,200, nearly four times the low estimate of US$70,000. This particular model, without Elton John’s ownership, had previously sold for US$304.7K on Loupe This in May 2022, making the auction winner’s purchase a potentially favorable deal.
The Cartier Tank Normale, another gem from Elton’s collection, achieved remarkable success at the auction. With an estimated value of US$20,000, it ultimately sold for a staggering US$176,400, almost nine times the initial estimate. This unexpected surge in price reflects the inherent value associated with Elton John’s ownership, turning this Cartier Tank Normale into a highly coveted collector’s item.
Elton John’s Rolex Daytona ‘Leopard,’ a timepiece also donned by actor Nicolas Cage, saw a winning bid of US$176,400. While this amount exceeded the typical market rate of around US$100,000, it still stands as a testament to the allure of owning a watch with Elton John’s provenance.
The auction results indicate that the buyers of these iconic timepieces secured their wins at rates relatively close to market values, enhanced by the added prestige of Elton John’s ownership. The Cartier Crash, with its quirky design, continues to be a sought-after grail, and Elton John’s association only adds to its desirability. The successful bidders now not only own exquisite timepieces but also share in the fascinating narrative of Elton John’s personal collection. Stay tuned for more upcoming auctions as Elton John’s impressive array of possessions finds new homes and continues to make waves in the world of horology.
