Pablo Picasso’s Lost Moon-Phase Watches – A Million-Dollar Mystery?

Portrait of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) as he smokes a cigarette, seated in front of several of his paintings, Paris, France, circa 1950. (Photo by Sanford Roth/Photo Researchers History/Getty Images)

Pablo Picasso, the late Spanish master of modern art and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, had a keen eye for not just painting but also exquisite timepieces. Among his collection were two remarkable Moon-Phase watches—both of which vanished without a trace.

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Moonphase (1940s) – A Family Enigma

• Case: 18ct pink gold, 35mm
• Dial: Silver-white with ‘Dauphine’ hands
• Strap: Brown-red crocodile leather
• Price: Unknown

This elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre disappeared around 1956 under mysterious circumstances. It is widely speculated that Picasso’s daughter, Paloma Picasso, took the watch and later gifted it to her then-husband, Rafael López-Cambil. If true, the watch remains in private hands, yet its exact whereabouts remain unknown.

2. Patek Philippe Ref. 2497 – A Lost Treasure

• Case: 18k yellow gold, 37mm
• Dial: Silver
• Production: Only 179 pieces made (1951-1963)

After Picasso’s passing in 1973, his Patek Philippe disappeared—and no one knows where it ended up. With such rarity and provenance, its value today would be astronomical if it ever resurfaced.

What Would These Watches Fetch at Auction Today? 🧐

Given their extreme rarity, iconic status, and Picasso’s legendary ownership, experts speculate that if either of these watches emerged at Phillips, Sotheby’s, or Christie’s, they could break records.

🔹 Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Moonphase – Estimated value: €500,000 – €1 million+
🔹 Patek Philippe Ref. 2497 – Estimated value: €3 million – €10 million+

In the world of high-end watch collecting, provenance is everything. With Picasso’s name attached, these Moon-Phase masterpieces would likely surpass their current market values and enter the realm of priceless artifacts.

Do you think these watches will ever resurface? And if they did—how high could the bidding war go? Let us know your thoughts! ⏳🔥