Switzerland’s highest court has rejected an Italian watch dealer’s appeal to claim ownership of John Lennon’s Patek Philippe reference 2499. The watch, originally a 40th birthday gift from Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono, is now legally confirmed as her property. The court ordered the Italian dealer to return the watch to Ono immediately, ending a long legal battle after the watch was stolen years ago.
If sold, Lennon’s Patek Philippe 2499 could become the most expensive watch ever. Its history is complex, but it remains a true “grail” for watch collectors who have long sought to see it. Rumors about the watch being stored in a Geneva safe circulated for years, making it almost legendary until detailed reports emerged last year in The New Yorker.
Today’s ruling is the latest chapter in the story and likely signals its conclusion. Whether or not the watch sells for a record price is less important now. The key point is that Ono will soon have full control over the watch and can decide its future.
Julian de Simone, son of the Italian collector Maurizio de Simone, posted a video on Instagram today. He confirmed that he and his father are the “Mr. A” mentioned in court documents. Julian promised to share the full story soon, aiming to clear up rumors and misinformation about the case.