Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Apr 20, 2016

LOT 236

ELVIS PRESLEY'S CORUM BUCKINGHAM WRISTWATCH YELLOW GOLD Unique and Historically Important "Elvis Presley" Wristwatch worn by Elvis and gifted to Richard Davis. Corum, "Buckingham", No. 50602, Ref. 5971. Made circa 1960. Fine and unusual, large, square, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with a yellow gold-plated Corum buckle. Accompanied by a box, 8 color photos with Elvis wearing the watch and authentication correspondence.

USD 10,000 - 20,000

HKD 78,000 - 155,000 / CHF 10,000 - 20,000

Sold: USD 22,500

Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, stepped hobnail decorated bezel , cabochon sapphire-set winding-crown , snap-on case back engraved: To Richard from E.P. Champagne hobnail finished. Black baton hands. Cal. 4200, rhodium-plated, 21 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIM. 34 x 34 mm. THICKNESS 7 mm. RICHARD DAVIS began working for ELVIS PRESLEY in the early 1960's as his valet, wardrobe assistant, stand-in and personal bodyguard. Davis worked for Elvis until 1971 and remained his close friend until Elvis' untimely death in 1977. As stated in the accompanying letter of attestation, Elvis wore the square shaped CORUM BUCKINGHAM wristwatch often and one day while he and Davis were conversing he removed it from his wrist, handing it to Davis stating there was something wrong with the back of it. When Davis turned the timepiece over to inspect it, he saw to his great surprise that the case back had been inscribed, "To Richard, From E.P." As detailed in the letter, Elvis then said, "I guess it's yours now." The "King of Rock 'n Roll" was known for being extremely generous, often giving away his valuable personal belongings as presents particularly to the MEMPHIS MAFIA (group of friends and employees who surrounded Elvis) so it was not surprising that he gifted his prized yellow gold Corum to his right-hand man and close friend, Richard Davis. ELVIS PRESLEY and RICHARD DAVIS (a longtime member of Elvis' Memphis Mafia) attending a TOM JONES show at CAESAR'S PALACE in mid-October 1970. Richard started working for Elvis after Elvis returned from the Army and continued to work for him until 1971 as a body guard, a stand-in in 23 movies and eventually a wardrobe manager. He remained friends with Elvis until the end.