Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Hublot, Cartier, Chopard, and more: Elton John’s collection of watches is headed for auction

Want a vintage watch? Buy one of Elton John's watches

Elton John singing with red glasses
Flickr / Flickr

Renowned musician and style icon Sir Elton John is not only celebrated for his legendary music career but also for his exquisite taste in watches. A selection from his eclectic watch collection, including coveted pieces from luxury brands like Hublot, Cartier, and Chopard, is set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction.

Every single one of the 31 timepieces lined up for the auction block as part of the “Goodbye Peachtree Road” sale exudes the unmistakable essence of Sir Elton John himself. Kicking off on February 9th, Christie’s will kickstart a series of eight auctions unveiling treasures from Sir Elton John’s former Atlanta abode. Dubbed the “Goodbye Peachtree Road” sales, these events promise a treasure trove of eclectic delights, spanning from photographs, artworks, and fashion pieces to costumes and, of course, an array of meticulously chosen watches by the musical maestro.

HUBLOT, PINK GOLD SKELETONIZED 'BIG BANG AERO' CHRONOGRAPH
Christie's

Elton John: A maestro of timepieces

Though Sir Elton John’s watch collection comprises just 31 lots out of the whopping 921 items up for grabs, it stands as a splendid reflection of his penchant for the dramatic. Amidst the vibrant colors, bedazzling diamonds, and whimsical leopard prints lies a profound appreciation for the timeless classics, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the artist’s discerning tastes.

Elton John’s passion for watches is as illustrious as his music career. Known for his flamboyant style and penchant for the finer things in life, the artist has curated a remarkable collection that reflects his eclectic taste and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Hublot: Luxurious aesthetics

Among the highlights of the auction are several stunning pieces from esteemed watchmaker Hublot. The Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang in 18k pink gold is a standout, boasting a bold and avant-garde design that epitomizes the brand’s ethos of fusion. With its skeletonized dial and intricate movement visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, this timepiece is a testament to Hublot’s innovative approach to watchmaking.

Another noteworthy Hublot offering is the Big Bang Tutti Frutti Caviar Ceramic. This eye-catching timepiece features a black ceramic case adorned with an array of colorful gemstones, creating a playful yet luxurious aesthetic. Powered by an automatic movement, the Big Bang Tutti Frutti is as technically impressive as it is visually striking.

Cartier: Timeless elegance

No discussion of luxury watches would be complete without mentioning Cartier, and Elton John’s collection includes some exquisite pieces from this prestigious Maison. One standout is the Cartier Ballon Bleu in 18k white gold, embellished with sparkling diamonds that adorn the case and dial. This elegant timepiece epitomizes Cartier’s signature blend of timeless sophistication and contemporary flair.

Chopard: A touch of opulence

A true gem within Sir Elton John’s horological treasure trove is the Chopard Limited Edition White Gold Sapphire Diamond-Set Mille Miglia. This exquisite timepiece is a celebration of craftsmanship and luxury, featuring a dazzling array of sapphires and diamonds meticulously set within a gleaming white gold case. Inspired by the exhilarating world of motorsports, this limited edition watch not only exemplifies Chopard’s commitment to precision engineering but also reflects Sir Elton’s penchant for the extraordinary.

CHOPARD, LIMITED EDITION WHITE GOLD, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND-SET 'MILLE MIGLIA ELTON JOHN'
Christie's

The auction starts in February, with online bidding available

The assortment is distributed across various auction events. Primarily featured in the “The Collection of Sir Elton John: The Jewel Box” auction, spanning from February 9th to February 27th, enthusiasts can engage in online bidding.

An intriguing aspect is the seemingly modest initial estimates for numerous timepieces. Given the renowned status of these watches, even surpassing those not previously owned by Sir Elton John, it’s anticipated that final bids will soar to remarkable heights.

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
The Breitling Avenger gets a refresh with these U.S. Navy inspired watches
These Breitling watches are fit for the Navy
Avenger Naval Academy watch

Fans of the Breitling brand will know that the Avenger collection is all about modern sleekness that rivals the classic and quieter watches from previous lines. And while the Avenger collection hasn’t been on the market for long, its contemporary details and features make it well worth it for any watch lover or collector. Inspired by all things aviation, the Avenger collection is a must-have for one who wants a sleek and robust timepiece. Although the current Avenger timepieces are enticing, the newest additions to the collection are also eye-catching. Overall, the Avenger collection pays respects to all things aviation and military. However, this time around, Breitling is paying homage to the U.S. Navy, and it is an incredible addition to the Avenger lineup. 
Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission 

For Breitling’s Navy-inspired tie-in, the brand has set forth three new timepieces that give a subtle nod to naval history. With three aptly named pieces, Naval Academy, USN Bloodhounds, and USN Dust Devils, the newest Avenger watches have a 44mm black ceramic case and Breitling’s B01 chronograph. With a 70-power reserve, the B01 chronograph is COSC-certified and has a column-wheel, and vertical clutch. A decidedly larger watch, there’s no doubt that not everyone will be a fan of the bigger size. 

Read more
Why you’ll love Audemars Piguet’s newest Openworked Royal Oak watches
Audemars Piguet debuts trio of new Royal Oak models
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak black ceramic

Like peanut butter and jelly, most things come in pairs, but what about threes? It's a short list, with the likes of The Three Little Pigs, and the Three Musketeers, but not much else. Audemars Piguet clearly wants to change this as they've recently introduced a trio of Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked models.
Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked models

The brand previously introduced a 37mm edition as well as several other 41mm models, and now their newest drop features 41mm models in steel, black ceramic, and 18K yellow gold, all with highly contrasted dials. They feature twin balance wheels, as the name would suggest, not only for precise timekeeping but also for aesthetic purposes — which these days are as important as the tech specs for prospective buyers. Although they weren't a pioneer in double balance mechanisms, Audemars Piguet took an innovative approach by arranging two balance wheels and hairsprings on a single axis, ensuring weight distribution.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: A brief history

Read more
Wearing a piece of history: The Praesidus watches you need to know
Rewind the clock with these vintage recreations
Praesidus Watch

The United States of America has a history stuffed full of heroes. From George Washington to Audie Murphy and General George S. Patton to Pat Tillman, this country wouldn't be what it is today without the sacrifice and service of countless men and women across two and a half centuries. But for every story of bravery and sacrifice, there are a dozen lost tales of true heroism and steadfast determination from veterans seemingly forgotten by the masses. Praesidus Watches endeavors to change that for as many as possible through epic storytelling watches.
Driven by the desire to tell stories of military courage and grit and aided by their superior watchmaking, Praesidus has solidified itself as one of the premier unique "storywatch" producers in the world. Why do we call them storywatches? Because every single one of these timepieces holds a story you won't be able to wait to tell when someone notices it. There are dozens of options and tales of heroic exploits to choose from, but these are our favorites and will serve as a buying guide for you. Choose the story that speaks to you, and wear the watch that represents the tale you can't wait to regale others with.

The Rec Spec

Read more