Yoko Ono triumphs in securing a significant piece of John Lennon’s legacy, a watch that tells more than just time.
At a Glance
- Swiss court rules Yoko Ono the rightful owner of John Lennon’s stolen Patek Philippe watch.
- Lennon received the watch as a 40th birthday gift from Ono, inscribed with a personal message.
- The stolen watch was valued at $4.51 million and changed hands multiple times.
- Italian buyer in China previously claimed ownership but lost the legal battle.
Legal Victory for Ono
Yoko Ono has emerged victorious in a protracted legal battle for ownership of a distinguished Patek Philippe watch, gifted to John Lennon for his 40th birthday. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court ruled that Ono is the rightful owner of the watch, affirming previous court decisions. This decision concludes a complex legal battle involving an Italian collector based in China, who had been contesting ownership.
The watch, engraved with “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C,” was a personal piece for Lennon. Following its theft in 2006 by Ono’s chauffeur, the watch was sold several times before ending up with the collector in China. The watch’s pedigree and unique inscription have made it one of the most coveted lost watches.
Yoko Ono is rightful owner of John Lennon’s stolen watch, says Swiss court https://t.co/UnNWbWNEtA pic.twitter.com/wWDHEl8ZIV
— New York Post (@nypost) November 16, 2024
The Journey of Lennon’s Watch
The sophisticated watch was the sole wristwatch Lennon was known to have owned, frequently captured in photographs adorning his wrist. Stolen by a chauffeur who defended his actions by claiming permission, the watch entered a series of transactions. It moved from a German auction house to the Italian collector who later challenged Ono’s claim. The watch’s historical and monetary value, estimated at $4.51 million, drew significant attention throughout these transactions.
“It is undisputed that ownership of the watch passed to Yoko Ono by inheritance after John Lennon’s death,” per the Federal Supreme Court.
Aside from its substantial worth, the watch bears immense symbolic value, a sentiment echoed by Ono’s son, Sean Lennon, who noted the importance of retrieving it, given the family’s ordeals surrounding its loss and recovery.
What Lies Ahead
With the court ruling in her favor, Ono looks forward to reclaiming the watch, though it remains in Geneva under the custody of the appellant’s lawyer with no specified timeline for its return. The decision ensures that the watch, an artifact echoing the legacy of Lennon, will return to its rightful place. As legal formalities proceed, the watch’s journey from Ono’s 1980 birthday gift to its retrieval highlights an undying connection through personal legacy and history.
“It’s important that we get it back because of all we’ve gone through over it,” asserted Sean Lennon.
Ono’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring personal connections that transcend the value of even the most luxurious possessions. In securing this significant piece of artistic and personal history, the court’s resolution marks an end to a years-long chapter of challenges and a reaffirmation of rightful ownership.
