A Closer Look at Elton John’s Timepieces Going under the Hammer at the Forthcoming Christie’s Auction

An eight-part series of landmark sales at Christie’s Rockefeller Center in New York will present music legend Elton John’s iconic collection, once housed in his former Atlanta home. The auction, named 'The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road’, will commence with an evening sale on Wednesday, February 21, and showcase a distinctive collection of works of art, objects and memorabilia, many of them crafted specifically for the maestro’s home on Peachtree Road in the American city of Atlanta.

The city of Atlanta played a crucial role in John’s life, becoming the hub he would return to throughout his numerous tours within the United States. He solidified this connection to Atlanta in 1992 when he acquired the condominium in Park Place on Peachtree Road. His unexpected choice of Atlanta as a residence was driven by personal reasons.

The eight sales, to be held online and live, will present his extraordinary collection that “not only showcases a diverse array of remarkable objects that encapsulates Elton’s unique life, work and art, but also provides our clients with a glimpse into the profound impact that the city of Atlanta had on him”, according to Tash Perrin, deputy chairman of Christie’s Americas.
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The collection includes artwork by pioneering artists, such as Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, and Richard Avedon, a selection of fashion pieces from the iconic performer's dazzling stage wardrobe, and, of course, watches.

Some of GMT India’s favourite picks from his stunning collection include the following timepieces.

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Rolex ‘Leopard’ Daytona, Ref. 116598SACO, case no. K591067, circa 2001

Rolex ‘Leopard’ Daytona, the bold and overtly flamboyant design of this unusual model, first launched in 2004, immediately stands out. Crafted from 18 ct gold, it features 48 brilliant cut diamonds set into the lugs and 36 square-cut orange sapphires set on the bezel.

Estimated price: $40,000-60,000

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Cartier Crash, case no. A108446, no. 150/400, circa 1991

Cartier Crash, part of a limited run of 400 examples that were released in 1991, this rare and well-preserved timepiece is made of 18 ct gold and flaunts an asymmetrical deployant clasp. 

Estimated price: $70,000-100,000

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Cartier, Ref. 2495, Pasha, circa 2000s

A very rare limited-edition model crafted from 18 ct white gold and set with diamonds, this sports a Cloisonné dial depicting a dragon.

Estimated price: $15,000-25,000

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Cartier, Tank Normale, case no. 646’570, circa 2000s

A possibly unique model, it has an 18 ct white gold case and 20 spectacular baguette diamonds set into the bezel and an additional 16 blue baguette sapphires adorning the dial. The octagonal crown is set with a round diamond, and the Cartier 'D' deployant clasp is also crafted from 18 ct white gold and diamonds.

Estimated price: $20,000-30,000

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Chopard, Ref. 1279, case no. 1753500, circa 2010s

An Elton John AIDS Foundation piece unique model, this stunning white gold and diamond-set automatic chronograph comes with an additional date indication.

Estimated price: $10,000-15,000

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Online sales open for bids on February 9. The collection will be part of an exhibition that will be free and open to the public from February 9 through February 21, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

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