A Swiss court has ended a long-standing legal battle, declaring Yoko Ono the rightful owner of John Lennon’s stolen Patek Philippe watch.
At a Glance
- Yoko Ono wins Swiss court ruling for ownership of John Lennon’s stolen watch.
- The watch was a 40th birthday gift, inscribed personally by Ono.
- The Patek Philippe is valued at $4.51 million and known as the “El Dorado of lost watches.”
- Stolen in 2006, the watch changed hands across countries before the final ruling.
Court Ruling Confirms Ownership
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court ruled that the rare Patek Philippe watch belongs to Yoko Ono, following a protracted legal journey. This ruling confirms previous verdicts asserting Ono’s ownership of the watch, a gift she had personally inscribed for John Lennon’s 40th birthday. Intriguingly, the watch disappeared in 2006, leading to a pursuit of justice that spanned nearly two decades. The court’s decision brings resolution to this intricate legal and personal saga for the iconic widow.
The watch’s estimated worth of $4.51 million highlights its cultural and monetary significance. Known as the “El Dorado of lost watches,” it was Lennon’s only wristwatch and is famously captured in photographs of the legendary musician. The intricate legal battle began when Ono discovered the watch was stolen by her chauffeur in 2006. At the time, the watch had been transferred across multiple international borders.
Yoko Ono is rightful owner of John Lennon's stolen watch, says Swiss court https://t.co/KgV5ubEJWv pic.twitter.com/ElhN58a8Ld
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 14, 2024
The Complex Journey of A Timepiece
Initially retained by a Geneva company, Ono’s legal pursuit saw the watch finally sold to a German auction house, and subsequently, an Italian national residing in China. In 2018, this individual contested Ono’s claim in court but to no avail. The ruling affirms that the watch legally passed to Yoko Ono by inheritance following Lennon’s death, reinforcing Ono’s enduring claim over the case. The watch currently remains with the appellant’s lawyer in Geneva.
“It is undisputed that ownership of the watch passed to Yoko Ono by inheritance after John Lennon’s death,” the Federal Supreme Court stated.
Despite prevailing in court, the journey towards reclaiming the watch reaches beyond legal matters. Sean Lennon, Ono and Lennon’s son, highlighted its significant symbolic value, emphasizing the importance of its recovery due to the emotional investment involved. The decision signifies the completion of a protracted yet necessary legal pursuit, restoring what is rightfully Ono’s both in law and legacy.
Cultural and Sentimental Significance
The significance of this resolution lies not merely in its legal ramifications but in preserving the heritage entwined with its ownership. The watch stands as a tangible connection to John Lennon, enriched by the personal inscription from Yoko Ono: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C.” Acknowledging this, the courts have reflected the importance of returning the watch to its rightful place, dictated by both legal precedent and the enduring values associated with its symbolic proprietorship.
“It’s important that we get it back because of all we’ve gone through over it,” asserted Sean Lennon.
While the watch remains a distant entity in Geneva, the emotional ties and legal clarity rekindle a legacy that survived a turbulent odyssey. As this chapter draws to a close, Ono’s watch continues to symbolize not just a priceless relic but the resolve of enduring commitment and justice.
