Swiss court solves mystery of John Lennon's missing birthday watch
A Swiss court settled ownership dispute over John Lennonʼs rare Patek Philippe watch‚ stolen after his death. The timepiece‚ worth millions today‚ was a special gift from **Yoko Ono** before the musicians tragic end
A high-end Patek Philippe timepiece‚ once belonging to John Lennon‚ cant find its way back to Yoko Ono after Swiss courtʼs recent decision. The gold-plated watch (worth about 4.5 million Swiss francs) has quite a story to tell
The precious item was Lennonʼs 40th b-day present from Ono back in fall of 1980; just weeks before his death in NYC. Its back shows a heart-warming inscription with their song lyrics: “(JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER LOVE YOKO 10·9·1980 N.Y.C“
Things got messy when Onoʼs ex-driver took the watch around 15 years ago claiming he had permission. The item then went through several hands: first in Turkey then to a German auction-house and finally to an Italy-born person living in China. A Geneva companyʼs tip-off helped Ono learn about its whereabouts about 10 years ago
The courts ruling against the Italian buyer follows two similar decisions from past years; the watch sits in Geneva now waiting for next steps. The Italian mans lawyer (whose name stays hidden in court papers) hasnt made any comments yet
