Frank Sinatra Gave Two Watches to Tony Bennett. Now Both Are Heading to Auction.
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Tony Bennett’s discography is full of hits. So too is his watch collection.
The late, great musician, who sold over 50 million records worldwide before he died at age 96 last July, amassed some true horological humdingers in his life of snappy dressing and crooning. Lucky for you, said watches will soon be up for grabs.
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Julien’s Auctions is holding a two-day sale dedicated to the 20-time Grammy winner later this week. Hundreds of rare items from Bennett’s estate will go under the gavel, from his signed sheet music to his famous landscape paintings. A dazzling assortment of fine jewelry and wrist candy will be offered, too. Many of the pieces were gifted to Bennett by his friends or collaborators, giving the bling a sentimental quality.
Two of Bennett’s timepieces came courtesy of fellow crooner Frank Sinatra. One is a simple Ebel dress watch (estimate: $2,000–$3,000) that is crafted from 18-karat gold and inscribed with “Thanx Tony F.S.,” the other is a quartz Cartier watch (estimate: $3,000–$5,000) that is made from stainless steel and engraved with “To Tony Thanks Frank A. Sinatra.” Bennett and Sinatra built a deep friendship over their years in the biz and performed together several times.
Another Cartier was a gift from Lady Gaga. The two first worked together on Bennett’s 2011 album Duets II. Over the next decade, they released two albums together and toured the world. Crafted from 18-karat rose gold, the Clé de Cartier wristwatch (estimate: $7,000–$9,000) is engraved with “TONY GAGA 08.03.2016.” The date refers to a special that the pair recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 3 and 5, 2021, to celebrate Bennett’s 95th birthday.
One of Bennett’s Rolexes will also be offered at the sale. Made from 18-karat gold, the Day-Date (estimate: $25,000–$35,000) features a champagne dial with baguette-cut diamond markers. Diamonds also adorn the bezel and the President bracelet. Other standouts include an Ebel from Nat King Cole, a limited-edition TAG Heuer Montreux Jazz Festival watch, and a retro Mercedes-Benz timepiece.
As for jewelry, highlights include a collection of gold, enamel, and diamond Verdura cuff links (estimate: $3,000–$5,000), a pair of gold Tiffany & Co. cufflinks (estimate: $1,500–$2,500), and a pair of monogrammed cufflinks (estimate: $600–$800). Several notable pieces from Bennett’s stylish wardrobe will cross the auction block, too, such as his silk bow ties, signature red pocket squares, dress shirts, and even a tuxedo.
Tony Bennett: A Life Well Lived will take place on April 18 and 19 at the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at Lincoln Center in New York City. You can also place bids online. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the Tony Bennett Memorial Foundation.
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