Cover Photograph titled ‘Greatest Hits Elton John, Album Cover Outtake, Sitting at Piano’ (Photo: courtesy of Terry O’Neill. / Christie’s)
Photograph titled ‘Greatest Hits Elton John, Album Cover Outtake, Sitting at Piano’ (Photo: courtesy of Terry O’Neill. / Christie’s)
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From a customised Chopard timepiece made to honour his charity to a Cartier Pasha with a dragon on the dial, here are some of the luxury watches going on the auction block at Christie’s on February 21
This February, Christie’s is presenting a series of auction titled The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road, in which music legend Sir Elton John’s collection of artwork, watches, memorabilia and more from his Atlanta home will go under the gavel. The live auctions will take place at Christie’s Rockefeller Centre, New York, alongside online auctions in which bidders from all over the world can participate.
Atlanta served as John’s home base during countless US music tours, leading him to acquire a condo on Peachtree Road in 1992. During his sobriety journey in the ’90s, he found solace in Atlanta’s warm community and recovery centres such as Triangle Club.
Over the years, John acquired a distinctive collection, including watches, photographs, art, costumes and more. He filled his Atlanta residence with the artworks of Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Damien Hirst and Julian Schnabel. The auction covers all these and more—like his customised watches and stage costumes such as an iconic ivory and gold costume. The highlights from the auctions will be on view for the public at Rockefeller Centre from February 9 to 21. Meanwhile, for collectors, this is a rare chance to own a piece of pop culture history.
Here we highlight some of the iconic watches that will be placed on the auction block. Like all the other items he owned, John’s watches reflect his singular tastes. These timepieces offer a glimpse into a pop icon’s world and are sure to be snapped up by watch enthusiasts.
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1. Cartier Crash
Above Cartier Crash (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Cartier Crash (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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This rare 18-karat gold wristwatch epitomises avant-garde style with its asymmetrical case evoking a melted clock face. Limited to just 400 pieces, its uniqueness mirrors John’s iconic individuality.
Estimate: US$70,000-100,000 | £55,000-78,000 | €64,000-91,000
2. Rolex Daytona ‘Leopard’
Above Rolex Daytona with leopard-print dial (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Rolex Daytona with leopard-print dial (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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With an exuberant leopard print dial, this 18-karat gold and diamond Rolex chronograph exudes a distinct flamboyant flair that the pop showman was known for. An orange sapphire-lined bezel adds to its animalistic boldness.
Estimate: US$40,000-60,000 | £32,000-47,000 | €37,000-55,000
3. Cartier Pasha
Above Cartier Pasha (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Cartier Pasha (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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A cloisonné enamelled dial grants irresistible charm to this limited edition 18-karat white gold and diamond Cartier Pasha timepiece with sweep centre seconds. Its rarity reflects John’s distinctive taste. What’s more, the five-clawed dragon on the dial sets the mood for the Year of the Dragon.
Estimate: US$15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
4. Cartier Tank Normale
Above Cartier Tank Normale (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Cartier Tank Normale (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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Baguette diamonds and sapphires grant opulent brilliance to this one-of-a-kind white gold Cartier Tank watch from the 2000s.
Estimate: US$20,000-30,000 | £16,000-24,000 | €19,000-27,000
5. Chopard Elton John AIDS Foundation watch
Above Chopard Elton John AIDS Foundation watch (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Chopard Elton John AIDS Foundation watch (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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Created especially for his AIDS Foundation, this personalised automatic chronograph with a date at five o’clock and skeleton heads biting into the bezel makes it a one-of-a-kind. It is made of 18-karat white gold and is generously set with white diamonds.
Estimate: US$10,000-15,000 | £7,900-12,000 | €9,100-14,000
6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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Understated elegance meets intricate craftsmanship in this 18-karat white gold and sapphire-set quartz Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with a blue mother-of-pearl dial—a classic, subtle piece quite unlike some of his other pieces.
Estimate: US$10,000-15,000 | £7,900-12,000 | €9,100-14,000
7. Cartier London Tank
Above Cartier London Tank (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Cartier London Tank (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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With rubies and diamonds set in platinum, this rare Tank watch from Cartier London in the 1980s is a standout for collectors. John clearly valued Cartier’s storied watchmaking.
Estimate: US$15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
8. Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir
Above Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir (Photo: courtesy of Christie’s)
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Sleek monopusher styling meets 18-karat white gold and diamonds in this elegant Cartier chronograph, showcasing John’s passion for fine watch design.
Estimate: US$15,000-25,000 | £12,000-20,000 | €14,000-23,000
As the Regional Editor for Watches and Jewellery and Editorial Content Lead for Tatler GMT, Amrita Katara specialises in luxury watch and jewellery coverage across Asia, with expertise in editorial strategy, feature writing and interviews with industry leaders. Her past roles span luxury lifestyle media and client partnerships. Based in Mumbai, Amrita’s work bridges global trends and Asian market insights.
