Watch Paparazzi

Actor James Dean spotted wearing Standard USA

In June 2013, Antiquorum, a well-known auction house, held its ‘Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces’ event in Hong Kong. The highlight of the event was the auctioning of a pocket watch owned by the late-great James Dean, a legendary Hollywood actor known for his timeless movies. The pocket watch was a Standard USA with American-made Elgin movement, which was crafted around 1889, making it a valuable collectible item.

The estimated value of the watch was $5000 USD, but the bidding war surpassed all expectations. The watch eventually sold for an impressive $42,000 USD! This was a clear example of the celebrity mark-up phenomenon that occurs when an item once owned by a celebrity goes up for auction. The perceived value of such an item is higher than its intrinsic value, leading to exponentially high prices fetched at auctions.

Today, enthusiasts can purchase similar vintage Elgin movement pocket watches from the same period at a much more affordable price, around $750 USD. This is a 5880% difference in price from the one once owned by James Dean.

Nevertheless, people are still willing to pay a premium for a timepiece once owned by a legendary figure like James Dean. The emotional connection and historic value attached to owning such an item can be priceless and outweigh any monetary value. Whether you are an avid collector or simply admire the iconic actor, James Dean’s pocket watch remains a coveted item among fans and enthusiasts alike.