Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Watch Gifted to John Lennon to be Returned to Yoko Ono

Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock
Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock

The legal saga surrounding a Patek Philippe watch, gifted by Yoko Ono to John Lennon shortly before his untimely death, has commanded international attention and reached a resolution in the Swiss courts. The intricacy of its narrative not only highlights the sentimental and monetary value of the timepiece but also underscores the persistent challenges associated with stolen art and memorabilia. The watch, an 18-carat gold Patek Philippe 2499, bears a personalized engraving: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C,” a meaningful inscription reflecting a song the couple composed together, as well as the bond they shared. This luxurious and rare timepiece, valued at approximately 4 million Swiss Francs, was a birthday present to Lennon for his 40th birthday and remains a significant piece of music and personal history.

The convoluted path of this watch began when it was reportedly taken by Ono's chauffeur in 2006, under the pretense of having Ono’s consent. The piece changed hands multiple times, traversing countries before ending up with an Italian collector residing in China, who acquired it through a German auction house. It wasn't until 2014 that Ono discovered the watch had been stolen, as she was informed by a Geneva-based firm employed by the Italian owner to appraise its value. This alerted her to a decade-long misappropriation, sparking a prolonged legal confrontation to reclaim the watch.

Swiss legal proceedings were intricate, with the most recent ruling by the Federal Tribunal upholding previous judgments from Geneva courts in 2022 and 2023, all favoring Ono. The court concluded there was no evidence suggesting Ono ever intended to gift such a valuable and personal item to the chauffeur, reinforcing her ownership claim. Lawyers representing Ono, like Vincent Guignet, expressed relief at this resolution, emphasizing the watch's emotional value to Ono as a cherished memento of her late husband. Despite these victories, the final return of the watch remains pending, as it is currently held by the Italian appellant's lawyer in Geneva for safekeeping.

The case's complexity is mirrored in the identities of those involved, many of which remain concealed in court documents, reflecting a sensitivity to privacy amid international scrutiny. This aspect of the case adds a layer of intrigue and confidentiality only found in high-stakes art repatriation disputes. The legal proceedings have not only involved intricate transnational dealings but have also showcased the resilience and determination of Ono, who has consistently sought to retrieve her property against substantial odds.

The watch's storied journey and the court’s rulings highlight the broader issues of art theft and the complexities of international art law. Items with significant cultural or personal value can often become entangled in legal battles that cross borders and involve multiple jurisdictions, requiring persistent and well-coordinated legal strategies to address. The Patek Philippe watch is not merely a valuable object; it is a token of legacy and memory, encompassing the emotional history between Lennon and Ono. Its eventual return would not only be a personal triumph for Ono but also a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and rightful ownership in the sometimes opaque world of luxury collectibles.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Sting, stage name of Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, performs at Koninklijk Theater Carre, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 05 June 2025, where the artist announced that the new version of his musical 'The Last Ship' will have its world premiere in Carre. Sting announces new version of musical in Carre, Amsterdam, Netherlands - 05 Jun 2025

Watch out Bad Bunny: Sting Announces Super Bowl Branded Concert Ahead of Super Bowl LX

Overview On February 6, 2026, two days before Super Bowl LX kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California,…

Capitol Records | Public Domain

Britain’s Poet Laureate Simon Armitage Honors Pink Floyd to Mark Key Anniversary

In an exciting fusion of rock music and contemporary poetry, Britain’s Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has composed a new piece…

Sammy Hagar Crosses the Pond: Adds 4 UK Tour Dates

Sammy Hagar is officially bringing The Best of All Worlds Band to the United Kingdom in summer 2026, marking his…

Jon Bon Jovi Bon Jovi Live in concert at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA - 09 May 2018

Bon Jovi 2026 Tour Dates Announced Following Jon Bon Jovi’s Vocal Cord Surgery

Rock legends Bon Jovi are officially back on the road after several years off the major touring circuit following frontman…

Warren Zevon Tribute Stuns at the United Theater

Event Overview On October 24, 2025, the nonprofit Wild Honey Foundation and the Zevon family presented “Meet Me in L.A.:…

Brian Setzer’s Illness Forces Stray Cats Tour Cancellations

Setzer Reveals Health Battle Rockabilly icon Brian Setzer, best known as the frontman of the Stray Cats, recently revealed that…

Bruce Springsteen Biopic Opens Soft at the Box Office

A Modest Start for “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” The Bruce Springsteen biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere hit theaters…

Foo Fighters 2026 Tour Dates Announced

Rock legends Foo Fighters have officially announced a massive North American stadium tour for the summer of 2026. The announcement…

Axl Rose, left, and Slash, of Guns N' Roses, perform on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Guns N' Roses in concert at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA - 24 Aug 2023

Watch: Axl Rose Melts Down at Guns N’ Roses Concert in Buenos Aires

Axl Rose Loses His Cool on Stage Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose shocked fans at a recent concert in…