A watch given by Frank Sinatra to fellow crooner Tony Bennett is among the top items in early bidding at a sale of Bennett’s personal collection.
Engraved, “To Tony Thanks Frank A. Sinatra,” the Cartier stainless steel quartz “Pasha De Cartier” wristwatch, Ref. 1050, is currently valued at $17,500 by bidders.
Sinatra and Bennett were friends. In 1965 Sinatra described him as his favourite singer, saying of Bennett: “He moves me. He’s the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind, and probably a little more.”
Bennett’s 18k gold and diamond day and date Rolex has attracted bids of $27,500.
This Rolex is attracting early interest from Tony Bennett fans.
And you’ll need $10,000 (against a top estimate of $9,000) to secure the 18k rose-gold automatic Cle De Cartier watch (reference 3847) that was given to Bennett by Lady Gaga.
The pair recorded two albums together, including Bennett’s last ever LP, Love for Sale from 2021. The watch is engraved “TONY GAGA [heart] 08.03.2016.”
Bennett (born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in 1926) died on July 21, 2023.
His long career stretched over seven decades. I Left My Heart In San Francisco was his signature song.
Bennett’s later career saw him embraced by younger musicians and fans. He appeared at Glastonbury and worked with Amy Winehouse (signed sheet music from her is in the sale) and Gaga.
He was also an accomplished artist and this sale includes many of his art works and pieces he collected, including work by David Hockney.
His political and social concerns are best captured in a thank you letter from Doctor Martin Luther King. Bennett performed for the civil rights marchers who were attacked by racist police at Selma.
Doctor Martin Luther King thanks Bennett for his support in the cause of civil rights.
The items are being sold by a branding company, Iconoclast, who handle Bennett’s legacy.
Their CEO, Olivier Chastan, said: “Tony Bennett’s life mirrored America’s cultural, social and political history. This is reflected in these unique and priceless items that act as markers of his life and more.
“This incredible collection speaks to Tony’s creative genius and his positive impact on others and the world.”
Autograph and letter collectors will have a field day with letters of appreciation and thanks to Bennett from luminaries such as KD Laing, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, Keith Richards, Bono, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross.
Items from the sale are on show in San Francisco and New York before the sales on April 18 – 19.
