| Actor Russell Crowe is not top-of-mind when it comes to celebrity watch collectors. It became a pleasant surprise to many when he auctioned off half of his watches in 2018. “In the spirit of moving forward”, he mounted an auction as his divorce from actress Danielle Spencer was finalized.
Cheekily named “The Art of Divorce”, the auction featured movie memorabilia, artwork from Australian artists, and 29 of his watches. Finally, the public saw his impressive collection of classics from Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling and more.
| Check out our favorites from the auction, plus some of Russell’s watches on screen: |
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Yellow Gold
Russell’s Daytona was a ref 16528, which he bought to celebrate the founding of his Blackcourt company in Australia. It has the company’s name and founding date engraved on its caseback.
This particular model is from the 1990s, so it runs on the Zenith El Primero-based movement. The 40mm chronograph is made almost entirely of 18k yellow gold, from its Oyster case to its Oyster bracelet.
Panerai Luminor Submersible
One way that Russell catalogues his watches is to associate it with his films. This one was purchased during the filming of Proof of Life (2000), and is one of two Panerai watches he purchased during that period.
This Panerai Luminor Submersible is a large 47mm watch with a titanium case and stainless steel professional diver’s bezel. Luminous hour markers and Arabic numerals ensure maximum legibility in low-light situations.
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold
After letting go of his watches in the auction, Russell is often seen wearing Rolex Submariner these days. He sports a yellow gold, black dial-bezel model off duty; while he wears this striking, 18k yellow gold, blue-dial bezel Submariner in the TV drama The Loudest Voice (2019). Photo from The A.V. Club on Twitter
Just like his Daytona, Russell’s Yachtmaster also commemorates a career milestone. He purchased the watch after the shoot of the movie Master & Commander in 2003, so he has the movie’s title and year engraved on the caseback.
This 40mm watch has a stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet, paired with a platinum unidirectional rotating bezel.
Omega Speedmaster
Russell’s Omega Speedmaster Professional has quite an interesting story. He was gifted a Speedy by director Ron Howard after working on A Beautiful Mind (2001), which he later gave to his brother. He regretted letting go of the watch, and bought this one for himself. Above, he’s pictured wearing a Speedy in 2009’s State of Play. Video from Movie Clips Promo on YouTube
Rolex Cellini
Russell purchased his platinum Rolex Cellini watch during the filming of American Gangster in 2007. From Rolex’s line of dress watches, this particular model has a polished, round platinum case that wears very nicely under the cuff. Video from Sky News Australia on Twitter
Australian actor @russellcrowe is selling off memorabilia in a sale he's calling 'The Art of Divorce'. A selection of work from Russell Crowe's collection will be auctioned by @SothebysAUST in Sydney this Saturday.
This watch is memorable for sure. Russell purchased his Tank Americaine in Rome right after Gladiator (2000) was released. He caused quite a stir at the Cartier store — fans flocked to see him, and the entire street had to be blocked by the police.
This model has a rectangular 18k white gold case, which is curved to sit more comfortably on the wrist. On the signature Cartier dial are three chronograph sub-dials, counting 12 hours, 30 minutes, and 60 seconds.
Vacheron Constantin Jubilee 1755
Russell’s Vacheron Constantin Jubilee 1755 was considered the most important timepiece in the collection. Bought by the actor in London in 2005, this is a limited edition model, crafted in platinum, that was created to celebrate the brand’s 250th anniversary. Russell is pictured here in the movie American Gangster (2007). Video from Rotten Tomatoes Movie Clips on YouTube
