Rare Patek Philippe Watch Gifted to John Lennon to Be Reunited with Yoko Ono

In a significant legal decision, a Swiss court has ruled that a rare Patek Philippe watch, gifted to John Lennon by Yoko Ono for his 40th birthday in 1980, is to be returned to Ono after being stolen years ago. This ruling brings closure to a complex saga involving theft, international transactions, and a protracted legal battle.

A Precious Gift

On 9 October 1980, Yoko Ono presented John Lennon with an 18-carat gold Patek Philippe 2499 wristwatch to celebrate his milestone birthday. The watch bore a personal inscription: "(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C," referencing their collaborative song "(Just Like) Starting Over," released that same year. Tragically, Lennon was assassinated just two months later, rendering the watch one of the last gifts he received from Ono.

Theft and Disappearance

Following Lennon's death, the watch remained in Ono's possession until it was reported stolen in the 1990s. Suspicion fell upon Ono's former chauffeur, who allegedly took the watch without her consent. The timepiece then vanished from public view, its whereabouts unknown for years.

Unexpected Reappearance

In 2014, the watch resurfaced when a Geneva-based auction house contacted Ono's legal team, seeking to verify its authenticity. It emerged that the watch had been sold at a German auction in 2014 to an Italian collector residing in China. Unaware of its stolen status, the collector had acquired the watch in good faith.

Legal Proceedings

Upon learning of the watch's reappearance, Ono initiated legal action to reclaim it. The case traversed various legal systems, culminating in a Swiss court ruling in November 2024. The court determined that, despite the collector's good faith purchase, the watch was stolen property and thus rightfully belonged to Ono. The ruling mandates the return of the watch to her.

Cultural and Monetary Significance

The Patek Philippe 2499 is renowned among horology enthusiasts for its rarity and craftsmanship. Its association with Lennon and the personal inscription from Ono amplify its cultural and monetary value. Experts estimate the watch's worth to be in the millions, reflecting both its intrinsic quality and its historical significance.

A Symbolic Reunion

The court's decision not only restores a valuable artefact to its rightful owner but also symbolises the enduring connection between Lennon and Ono. The watch, a token of their shared life and artistic collaboration, will once again be in Ono's possession, serving as a poignant reminder of their time together.

The journey of John Lennon's Patek Philippe watch—from a cherished birthday gift to a stolen artefact, and now, its impending return to Yoko Ono—highlights the intricate interplay between personal history and legal frameworks. This resolution underscores the importance of rightful ownership and the enduring legacy of Lennon and Ono's partnership.