A rare timepiece once owned by actor Marlon Brando sold for more than four times its estimate at Hollywood memorabilia auction house GWS Auctions.
The sale set a record for the most expensive stainless steel Rolex ‘Datejust’ model ever sold at auction. The watch, which was gifted to the actor in 1973 in recognition of his Oscar win for The Godfather, ultimately sold for CAD$66,283 (US$49,200), surpassing its pre-sale estimate of between CAD$13,470 and 16,165 (US$10,000 and 12,000).
The 31-mm stainless steel piece is engraved with the actor’s initials, as well as “Vito’s” in reference to his Godfather character Don Vito Corleone.
The watch remained in Brando’s personal possession for years until he gave it to his friend Patricia Norris, a Hollywood costume designer. This was the first time the piece was available at auction.
