Yoko Ono has been officially recognized as the rightful owner of a cherished timepiece belonging to her late husband, John Lennon. In a significant ruling delivered on November 14 by a Swiss court, it was determined that the yellow gold Patek Philippe 2499 wristwatch, which Ono gifted to Lennon for his 40th birthday, does not belong to the individual who later purchased it at auction, according to reports from Reuters.
Originally bought for $25,000 in 1980—a sum that would equate to approximately $95,500 today—the watch is now valued at an astonishing 4 million Swiss Francs (around $4.51 million). This exquisite piece of jewelry is engraved with a heartfelt message from Ono that reads: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C.” This inscription holds deep significance, as it reflects not only their love but also the context of Lennon’s life at the time.
Tragically, Lennon was shot and killed just months after receiving this gift, outside their home in New York City’s Dakota Building. Before his untimely death in December 1980, he had recorded a demo for a song titled “Life Begins at 40,” which he had written as he approached his milestone birthday. That same year, he was also working on *Double Fantasy*, his first album in five years, with the lead single being “(Just Like) Starting Over,” a collaboration with Ono.
The recent ruling by the Federal Tribunal in Switzerland comes after two previous judgments by Geneva courts in 2022 and 2023. The identity of the Italian man who purchased the watch at auction remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns; however, it has been reported that he resides in China. Currently, the watch is held in Geneva for safekeeping by the lawyer representing this unnamed buyer, although it remains unclear when or if it will be returned to Ono.
In addition to the Patek Philippe watch, Ono had gifted Lennon several other sentimental items for his 40th birthday. Among them was a diamond and ruby American flag lapel pin, which served as a tribute to Lennon’s hard-fought immigration battle in the United States. While the exact price of this luxurious pin is unknown, estimates suggest it could have cost upwards of $75,000 (or about $287,000 today). Another unique gift from Ono was a skywriting message that read “Happy Birthday John and Sean, Love Yoko,” which was written nine times—reflecting Lennon’s lucky number—by planes over Manhattan.
Together, John Lennon and Yoko Ono shared one son, Sean Tara Ono, while Lennon also had an older son, Julian Charles John Lennon, from his previous marriage to Cynthia Lennon. Ono herself has a daughter named Kyoko Chan Cox from her former marriage to Anthony Cox.
The saga surrounding this iconic watch underscores not only its monetary value but also its emotional significance as a symbol of love and remembrance between two legendary figures in music history. As Yoko Ono continues to navigate this legal landscape regarding her late husband’s possessions, fans and collectors alike remain captivated by the intertwined legacies of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of how love transcends time and material possessions—especially when embodied in an object as personal as a watch inscribed with heartfelt messages from one beloved partner to another. The Patek Philippe 2499 is more than just a luxury item; it is a cherished artifact that encapsulates the essence of their relationship and the enduring impact of John Lennon’s life and music.
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