Pablo Picasso’s Moon-Phase Watches: The Question of Provenance


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’s association with watches adds another dimension to his visual world. Two moon-phase models feature in this story: a Jaeger-LeCoultre triple calendar and a Patek Philippe reference 2497. Their identification, later ownership and present whereabouts require careful provenance research.

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Moonphase (1940s)

 

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

The later ownership of the Jaeger-LeCoultre is not established in this article. Earlier speculation about a family transfer has been removed because it was not supported by a cited provenance record.

2. Patek Philippe Ref. 2497

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

For the Patek Philippe, the key question is the documented chain of ownership. A famous name alone cannot establish the identity or current location of an individual watch.

Provenance before price

Attribution and valuation are separate questions. A credible assessment would need documentation connecting the specific watch to its owner, alongside an examination of its condition and originality.

This article does not provide an authenticated provenance record or an auction-house appraisal. Earlier speculative price ranges have therefore been removed.

Editorial note: revised September 2026 to distinguish the watches discussed from unverified ownership claims and price estimates.

Stay close to the world of watches.

Watch stories, interviews and collector culture, delivered to your inbox.

Subjects in this article: