Music legend and watch enthusiast Elvis Presley continues International Watch‘s October celebration of all things Las Vegas. Perhaps one of Sin City’s most memorable resident performers, Presley was rarely spotted without a timepiece on his wrist and donned such celebrated brands as Rolex, Omega, Longines and Hamilton, among others.
Though Presley’s aesthetic is associated with jumpsuits, capes and the rhinestones he donned in his late career, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s timepiece preferences are reflected in unique and sophisticated models.
During the last several years, timepieces remembering Presley as well as personal timepieces worn by the legend himself have been in the spotlight. One of Presley’s favorite timepieces was a Hamilton Ventura he received while filming “Blue Hawaii.” The uncommon arrow-shaped case was exotic enough to leave an impression but unimposing enough to complement his everyday wear.
That legendary 1957 timepiece was recently remembered by Hamilton when it re-released the model. The updated timepiece, dubbed the Ventura XXL Elvis Anniversary Limited Edition, commemorated Presley’s 75th birthday and came in two variants.
Occasionally, a Presley timepiece is seen in auction. A couple of years ago an Omega Constellation model was offered at an Antiquorum auction in New York. The watch was estimated at $10,000 and earned $52,500 at final hammer, cementing Presley-owned timepieces as very rare and collectible treasures.
Longines found its way onto Presley’s wrist as well. A square-shaped Longines model featured a mesh-type bracelet and diamonds lining the right and left side of the dial. On the 35th anniversary of Presley’s death, the model was placed up for bid at an auction in Memphis with proceeds going to the preservation of the Graceland museum. The timepiece fetched $16,250 at final hammer.
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll also had an affinity for Rolex timepieces, in particular the unusual King Midas model. In 1970 the Houston Livestock Show Officers presented the timepiece to Presley after his record-breaking performance that set an all-time attendance record. The gold timepiece was unique in shape, with its asymmetric, left-handed case.
Elvis’ evolution in the entertainment industry is well-documented. His aesthetic preferences grew with his fame, from early 1950s leather jackets and white t-shirts to white jumpsuits with diamond or rhinestone encrusted belt buckles and gold aviator sunglasses. But through the many wardrobe changes, Presley’s unique taste in wristwear remained timeless, a goal he and the watch industry have in common.