Almost 5 million € paid at Christie’s for Marlon Brando's Rolex GMT-Master 1675 from the 1979 film ‘Apocalypse Now’.

Apocalypse now

Helmed by Francis Ford Coppola and penned by John Milius (another GMT-Master aficionado), 'Apocalypse Now' transcends typical war narratives, presenting a profound study of madness, arrogance, and themes of dominance and influence. This magnificent, thought-provoking, and formidable movie provides layers of insight with each viewing. It showcases two remarkable timepieces: Willard's Seiko 6105 and Kurtz's 1675 GMT-Master. Marlon Brando was the one who sported a 1972 GMT Master Rolex during the filming of the iconic movie. 

Watch story

When Brando died in 2004, the watch’s whereabouts were a mystery, despite years of speculation. It re-emerged at a Phillips auction in New York in 2019, fetching an impressive figure despite its missing bezel, a casualty of the most tumultuous Hollywood production on record. In this year, the last proprietor acquired the timepiece for just under $2 million.

The 39 mm timekeeper (reference 1675) once worn by Colonel Kurtz was slated for inclusion in Christie’s 'Passion for Time' watch sale. This event, featuring 113 exquisite lots, took place on November 6 in Geneva.

This watch boasts distinctive features, notably the 'M. Brando' inscription on the back of the case, personally etched by the actor himself.

This autographed stainless-steel timekeeper was poised to attract an even higher bid in this auction.

Christie's 2023

Yesterday, 6th of November 2023, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 that Marlon Brando wore during the filming of the 1979 movie ‘Apocalypse Now’, was sold at Christie’s auction for almost 5 million € (4,582,500 swiss francs)

Talk about watches that appreciate in value, right?