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A watch that was given to Elvis during a "significant" time in his career is up for auction

“Significant” Elvis watch up for auction

2.6 k views | Posted March 06, 2018 | By Talia Paz • Staff Journalist

A watch that once belonged to rock and roll icon Elvis Presley will be the highlight of an upcoming international auction.

The Omega watch, an 18-carat white gold piece, set with 44 round brilliant diamonds, is engraved with “To Elvis, 75 million records…”. It’s expected to fetch CHF50,000 – CHF100,000 (AU$68,400 – AU$136,854) at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: Seven on 12 and 13 May in Geneva, Switzerland.

"Elvis is well known to have given away watches he purchased or was given; [however], no other Elvis Presley-owned watch has been previously offered on the market that marked such a significant achievement in his career as the present lot."

Phillips auction house

According to the auction house, the timepiece dates back to 1961, when record company RCA Records presented it to Presley to commemorate his achievement of selling 75 million records. A Phillips statement also explained how the watch came into possession of the current owner’s uncle, explaining an admiration for the piece was key.

“Spotting the diamond studded Hamilton [watch] an admirer was wearing, Elvis proposed a trade, and they quickly exchanged timepieces,” the statement read.

“Elvis is well known to have given away watches he purchased or was given; [however], no other Elvis Presley-owned watch has been previously offered on the market that marked such a significant achievement in his career as the present lot.”

Photos of Presley wearing the Omega at a charity concert, a book titled Elvis and certificates of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum would accompany the watch.

Unique auctions

Another unique auction scheduled for next month involves Australian actor Russell Crowe. Sotheby’s Australia is conducting Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce, where it will be selling works from the actor’s private collection at its Sydney branch on 7 April.

Items being offered include a platinum, 18-carat white and yellow gold diamond ring valued at $100,000 and an 18-carat white gold and diamond necklace valued at a $20,000.

Watches, earrings, rings and necklaces valued between $5,000 and $30,000 are also up for sale, as well as props and memorabilia from his iconic movies, including Gladiator and Master Commander. Sothebys Australia chairman Geoffrey Smith added the auction is expected to generate sales of up to $3.6 million.