Alain Delon's watch collection: cinema, passion & legend
Alain Delon's watch collection: history, models & auction records
Discover Alain Delon's watch collection: legendary watches worn on screen, rare pieces sold at auction, the style of a passionate collector.
1. Introduction: when an actor becomes a watch collector
Alain Delon is not only a legend of French cinema - he's also a man of taste, who has nurtured a passion for watches over the decades.
In 2012, he auctioned off over 100 pieces from his watch collection, generating hundreds of thousands of euros. Revolution Watch+1
But before this sale, Delon was already wearing a number of iconic models in his films and on the town. Between style, daring choices and heritage value, diving into his collection means exploring a little-known part of his world.
2. The 2012 auction: a turning point
In 2012, Alain Delon decided to sell a large number of his watches via Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris, in a highly publicized sale. Revolution Watch+1
Total bids exceeded 590,300 USD for more than a hundred pieces. Revolution Watch
Among the standout pieces, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" worn in several of his films exceeded its initial estimate by a wide margin. Revolution Watch
The sale was no accident: Delon had already expressed a preference for liquidating some of his collections during his lifetime, rather than leaving them to posterity. LeCalibre
This auction shed light on his watchmaking taste, revealing to the general public models that were sometimes little-known, and demonstrating his refinement and curiosity for rare pieces.
3. Alain Delon's iconic watches
Here are a few models and brands associated with Delon, either worn by him, part of the sale, or cited by enthusiasts:
Watch / Brand Particularity & history Cartier Tank Lapis-Lazuli A unique piece in yellow gold with lapis-lazuli bezel, engraved with the actor's initials, sold at very high prices.
LeCalibreCartierTank arrondieWornin the film Un flic, with rounded case and white gold/white dial case.
LeCalibreCartierTank Reversible A reversible version presented in the sale; probably a "Tonneau Reversible" version according to the experts.
LeCalibreCartierPashaSeveralmodels, including those in yellow gold and steel, were among his personal items for sale.
LeCalibre Breitling Chronomat / NavitimerBreitlingchronograph models were also part of his dispersed collection.
LeCalibre Rolex (Daytona, Milgauss, etc.)A number of Rolex watches featured prominently in the sale.
LeCalibre Sherpa Ultradive Diving watch worn by Delon in his films. The model appears in stories about his collection, used notably in Les Aventuriers. Sherpa Watches Homepage
These pieces show that Delon didn't limit himself to "visible luxury" watches: he also collected technical, watchmaking pieces, chic and diverse.
4. Delon's watchmaking style: between elegance and audacity
Delon has always cultivated an image of an elegant gentleman, often wearing a dark suit, tie and intense gaze. His choice of watch was in the same spirit:
Dressy watches (Cartier Tank, Pasha) coexisted with more sporty or technical pieces (Breitling, Sherpa).
He seemed to appreciate combinations of noble materials: gold, semi-precious stones (lapis lazuli) and refined finishes.
The fact that certain pieces have often been worn on screen contributes to their aura: the watch becomes a "character accessory", enhancing their symbolic value.
5. Value, heritage & posterity
The 2012 sale has already revealed the heritage significance of his collection.
Some of the pieces in this sale have re-emerged on the collectors' market as "Delon pieces".
The fact that he proposed this sale during his lifetime shows that he saw his watches as works to be shared, not as treasures to be locked away.
Modern collectors are interested in "Delon watches": this creates an implicit "label" of prestige for pieces linked to him - which can influence auctions and prices for similar models.
6. Tips if you're looking for a Delon-style watch today
Target classic brands: Cartier, Rolex, Breitling - the brands Delon loved.
Look for vintage editions rather than modern reissues. Wear, patina and period details are precious.
Pay close attention to the models portrayed on screen: the watches seen in his films have a historic aura.
Check provenance / documentation: for a so-called "Delon style" watch, a good authentication record is crucial.
Be patient: vintage watches linked to celebrities are rare - keep an eye on auctions, private sales and specialized forums.
7. Conclusion
Alain Delon's watch collection combines passion, cinema, audacity and refined taste. By exploring his pieces, we discover not only precious objects, but a part of his identity - between glamour, elegance and the quest for excellence.
To see some of them today, take a look at specialized sales or catalogs of old lots. In the meantime, you can find models inspired by his style among our vintage collections on Montres & Vintage.
