Important Collector's Wristwatches, P...

New York, Sep 17, 2009

LOT 228

Marlon Brando?s Wristwatch Vacheron Constantin, Genève, No. 517490, case No. 342507, Ref. 4877. Made in 1954 and gifted to Marlon Brando by Zsa Zsa Gabor. Fine and rare 18K yellow gold wristwatch.

USD 3,000 - 5,000

EUR 2,100 - 3,500 / CHF 3,200 - 5,400

Sold: USD 18,000

C. Two-body, solid, polished, lapidated lugs, case back engraved: To Marlon - Love - Zsa Zsa - June 24, 1954. D. Textured silver with applied yellow gold baton indexes, subsidiary seconds dial. Yellow gold baton hands. M. Cal. 1001, 17 jewels, rhodiumplated, fausses cotes decoration, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures, self-compensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 7 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Marlon Brando (1924 ? 2004) Is considered one of the greatest actors of all time. Brando's brooding intensity and raw honesty were electrifying for the time, and continued to influence a generation of actors, including Robert de Niro and Leonardo di Caprio. Among the many films in which Brando gave famous performances are: A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Last Tango in Paris. Brando was also an activist who supported several causes, including the Civil Rights movement and American Indian movements. According to the consignor of the watch, the present watch was given by Zsa Zsa Gabor to Marlon Brando to commemorate the release of ?On the Waterfront?, for which Mr. Brando won an Oscar. It is not known how long the watch was in his possession, but it is known that there was a long-lasting relationship between Brando and Gabor.