The Watches of Elvis Presley

Omega Constellation Watches

Elvis Presley, the legendary American singer and actor, was not only known for his influential music and charismatic stage presence but also for his affinity for stylish watches.

Throughout his life, Elvis owned and wore several notable timepieces that reflected his unique taste and larger-than-life persona. Let’s explore the history of Elvis Presley’s watches.

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Omega Constellation

One of the most iconic watches associated with Elvis Presley is the Omega Constellation. Omega first released the Constellation in 1952, as a range of high-performing dress watches, and it remains a part of the catalog today.

Elvis was seen wearing a gold Omega Constellation with a black dial in many photographs and performances. Dating from 1960 this watch was on his wrist throughout his military service in the US Army.

The Constellation was known for its precision and elegance, and it became a symbol of status during the 1950s and 1960s. Elvis’s Omega Constellation comes in a pink gold coated stainless steel case and a Caliber 504 movement. The luster of gold, with the contrasting black dial, became a defining accessory of his style.

What became of this watch?

Originally, Elvis gifted his Omega Constellation to his army buddy Charlie Hodge. This friendship was so close that Hodge lived at Graceland with Elvis, and played music with him, for almost two decades before Elvis died.

Upon the death of Hodges in 2006, the watch was eventually auctioned off by his family through Antiquorum. It sold for an incredible $52,000 — over five times its pre-sale estimate. Photos from Elvis on Instagram and Antiquorum on Twitter

 

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Hamilton Ventura

Another watch that gained prominence on Elvis’s wrist was the Hamilton Ventura. The Ventura was an avant-garde timepiece with a unique triangular case design. Elvis was all about pushing boundaries so it makes sense that he would enjoy a wristwatch that did the same.

It wasn’t only the unique shape of the case either, but this model was also the first electronic watch. In 1957, when it was released, the Hamilton Ventura was the first wristwatch to be powered by a battery instead of a mechanical movement.

Elvis famously wore a Hamilton Ventura in his 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii,” further solidifying its association with his image. The Ventura became an iconic watch in the world of popular culture, thanks to its appearance on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s wrist.

What became of this watch?

In 2012, on what would have been his 80th birthday, Hamilton released the Elvis80 Ventura Edition, a line of contemporary triangular watches made in stainless steel and black PVD.

Hamilton managed to purchase one of Elvis’ Hamilton Ventura watches at an estate auction, and it remains a part of their collection. Photos from Hamilton Watches on Instagram

 

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Omega Tiffany & Co. Watch

Elvis’s collection also included another Omega watch ­— a Tiffany & Co edition gifted to him by his record label after he sold 75 million records. The watch featured an 18k white gold case and bracelet, and it was a collaborative piece between Omega and Tiffany & Co with 44 diamonds set into the bezel.

This luxurious timepiece added a touch of elegance to Elvis’s wrist and showcased his penchant for high-quality and exclusive accessories.

The case back was engraved and reads “To Elvis, 75 Million Records, RCA Victor, 12-25- 60”.

Where is Elvis Presley’s Omega Tiffany Watch Now?

As the story goes, a man went up to Elvis and expressed how much he loved his diamond Omega watch. The man himself was wearing a diamond-embellished watch from one of Elvis’ favorite brands, Hamilton. Elvis traded his Omega watch on the spot, and the watch remained in the man’s possession, until he passed it on to his nephew.

This watch went up for auction in 2018 through Phillips, and sold for a record $1,812,318 USD. This sale broke all records for the price of an Omega watch. Photos from Phillips Watches on Instagram and Forbes Life on Twitter

 

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Rolex King Midas ref 9360

One of the more distinctive watches owned by Elvis was the Rolex King Midas ref 9360. The King Midas was a bold and extravagant watch, featuring a square case and an intricate bracelet. Elvis was often seen wearing this watch during his performances, and it perfectly complemented his extravagant stage outfits.

As one of the strangest watches designed by the famous wristwatch designer, Gerald Genta, this is a unique model for Rolex. Not only does it have a geometric style, it also looked more like a cuff than a timepiece.

The King Midas was a symbol of Elvis’s flamboyant style and his affinity for opulent timepieces. When it was released in the late 1960s, it happened to be the most expensive watch sold by Rolex. Only 1,000 of this model was ever made, and Elvis owned number 343.

It was another gift to the superstar from the Houston Livestock Show Officers after he performed six straight sold-out concerts. The caseback was engraved: “To Elvis Presley, From The Houston Livestock Show Officers, 1970”.

Where is Elvis’ Rolex King Midas now?

The last known location of this watch is in his Memphis home, Graceland. Photos from GQ Germany on Twitter

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Rolex Submariner ‘Big Crown’ ref 6538

Elis Presley owned more than one Rolex and the other one happens to be the Rolex Submariner ‘Big Crown’ ref 6538. This iconic dive watch, with its large 8mm crown, became famous as the original James Bond watch when it was worn by Sean Connery in the first Bond film, Dr. No.

Elvis was frequently spotted wearing the Submariner in the 1960s, showcasing his rugged side and his love for adventure.

As one of the most sought-after vintage Submariner watches,  ref 6538 are listed for sale for at least $100,000 apiece. Surprisingly, not much is known about Elvis’ particular watch. Photos from Elvis on Instagram

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Corum Buckingham

One lesser-known watch in Elvis’s collection is the Corum Buckingham. This watch had an 18-karat gold square case with hobnail patterns on the bezel and dial.

Elvis wore the Corum Buckingham during the 1960s, and it became a part of his stage persona during that era. Although not as widely recognized as some of his other watches, the Corum Buckingham still holds significance in Elvis’s watch history.

Elvis gifted this watch to his beloved bodyguard, Richard Davis. Davis worked for Elvis until 1971 and appeared in 23 of Elvis’ movies as a stand-in and also served as a wardrobe manager.

Where is this watch now?

The watch was auctioned off in 2016 through Antiquorum and sold for $22,500. It was accompanied by 8 photos of Elvis wearing the timepiece. Photos from Antiquorum on Twitter

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The Watches of Elvis Presley

The watches of Elvis Presley offer a captivating glimpse into the life and style of the legendary musician. From the iconic Omega Constellation to the extravagant Rolex King Midas, each timepiece in his collection reflects his unique personality and status as a cultural icon. These watches not only served as fashionable accessories but also became symbols of his larger-than-life persona.

Elvis Presley’s watches continue to captivate the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts long after his passing. The high demand and substantial prices fetched at auctions demonstrate the enduring allure and historical significance of these timepieces. Each watch tells a story of its own, intertwining with the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.

For more about celebrity watches, check out our blog, The Watch Club; or explore our vast selection of pre-owned watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.

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3 Generations of the Rolex Submariner

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