Bernard Madoff has rightfully earned the titles of the most Lecherous Letch of the Year, Winky-Dink, and Bruiser, but this man had an eye for style. During the early 2000s, Bernie Madoff was one of the most wealthy and powerful figures on Wall Street. After this, he was arrested, and his huge financial empire was then exposed as a fraud. He was convicted of masterminding the world’s biggest investment scam. The Ponzi Scheme brought him, along with his wife Ruth, a billionaire lifestyle. For the Ponzi scheme, he was sentenced to 150 years imprisonment. In 2021, he died of natural causes, having served less than a 10th of his sentence.
The tycoon had a great passion for watches, among which 46 were sold in the auction. Rolex was his most favored brand. A fuzzy of interest meant some of his more ‘affordable’ timepieces went for over three times the best estimate. However, the top-end models proved a pretty difficult sale. As per Ken Kessler, a renowned watch expert, Madoff’s collection is eclectic with some real masterpieces. Among this eclectic collection were several top brands, including Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and PWC.
Bernie Madoff and His Watches: Symbols of a Financial Empire’s Fall
1. 1945 Vintage Rolex OP Monoblocco
Madoff’s Rolex Monoblocco, also referred to as The Prisoner Watch, had no connection with his inmate status at North Carolina’s Butner Federal Correctional Complex. This 18K gold chronograph gained its nickname as Rolex delivered similar pieces to prisoners of war during World War II in Germany, including the ones involved in The Great Escape. ‘Prisoner’s Watch’ was sold originally by Rolex to Allied prisoners directly in German PoW camps. This model was among one in only 27 Swiss-manufactured watches that were sold by the U.S. Marshals Service and it was meant to recover assets for Madoff’s victims. Gerald Imeson wore this piece.
- Price: $42,144
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Release Year: 1945
2. IWC Portuguese
Madoff’s IWC Portuguese has a silver dial containing rose gold markers and is one of the timepieces created in the early 90s when there was a trend for large watches. It’s a hugely popular chronograph. Actor Jason Bateman was recently seen wearing his IWC Portuguese.
- Price: $4,215
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 60 meters
- Release Year: 1939
3. 1942 vintage Rolex
The 1942 Rolex vintage 18 carat gold antimagnetique watch has been professionally restored. Despite being restored, this is a desirable and beautiful gold Rolex. The price raised at the auction was fair for this elegant, casual and dressy wear. It is one of the most treasured timepieces of Rolex that are found in short supply. This finely crafted watch is a classic cult that every Rolex collector would be excited to get their hands on.
- Price: $14,590
- Diameter: 44 mm
- Water Resistance: No
- Release Year: 1942
4. Patek Philippe Ref. 130
Like other celebrities such as LeBron James, Bernard Madoff is also a big fan of Patek Phillippe. Only two of these 33mm Patek Philippe modest Calatrava chronographs have been created. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, both played a crucial part in the history of the brand. Madoff had owned both a champagne and black dial, with both having refined dials. The champagne reached a bit more value at the auction. Ed Sheeran has Patek Philippe Ref. 130 in his collection.
- Price: $190,520
- Diameter: 33 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Release Year: 1930s
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverse Duo
This 18 carat gold timepiece is a true classic. To protect the glass, you can flip over the vase. This 18 carat gold timepiece was designed in 1931 for the British troops playing polo in India. American actors Timothee Chalamet and Pierce Brosnan were spotted wearing Jaeger LeCoultre Reverse Duo.
- Price: $ 5,835
- Diameter: 47 x 28.3 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 m
- Release Year: 1931
6. Rolex OP Explorer
Named in honor of Edmund Hillary and launched in 1953, this is the definitive no nonsense wristwatch for real men. It’s highly desirable and simple. Actors Matt Damon and Tom Hanks have been spotted wearing this piece.
- Price: $3,242
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Release Year: 1953
7. 1946 ‘Bubble Back’ vintage Rolex
This 1946 ‘Bubble Back’ vintage Rolex has a rose gold dial. The timepiece is perhaps the most gorgeous of all Art Deco period watches. The case has a flat back and a rounded case, and it is an understated class. Ryan Gosling is seen wearing one 1946 Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual.
- Price: $ 6, 808
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Water Resistance: No
- Release Year: 1946
8. 1955′ shock resisting’ vintage watch of Rolex
Wonderful and fancy Rolex with small seconds, and it has unusual lugs. The wristwatch is ideal for fans of TV’s mad men who love to dress the part.
- Price: $3,242
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Water Resistance: No
- Release Year: 1955
9. 1930 vintage Rolex
The 1930 vintage Rolex has green hand-engraved top sides. From the early 30s, it’s a nice rectangular Rolex. The ornate case of this piece is perfect for evening wear. However, for daily use, it is very fragile.
- Price: $2,594
- Diameter: 29 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1930
10. Audemars Piguet Huitieme
This is undoubtedly one of the greatest houses. This Huitieme is a solid gold chronograph that has dates and is suitable for every occasion.
- Price: $9,728
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 20 m
- Release Year: 1994
11. Rolex OP Submariner
This 1960s Rolex OP Submariner is something Madoff bought that is wholly functional. It is in original magnificent condition, and it’s a classic piece. Steve McQueen and Jason Statham are seen wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner.
- Price: $6,810
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Release Year: 1953
12. Bulgari Watch
This stainless-steel Bulgari watch is mid-sized and is a steel version of the modern classic. It is credited with popularizing wide bezels. The piece has a quartz-driven mechanism. Adrien Brody, Bradley Cooper, Eric Bana, Genard Butler, and David Gandy all have been spotted wearing Bulgari watches.
- Price: $1,620
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1977
13. 1966 Rolex OP
This 1966 Rolex OP with 18k gold is a dressy gold Rolex on a strap having a classic white dial. This piece is a perfect accessory for evening or business wear.
- Price: $5,188
- Diameter: 34 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Release Year: 1966
14. 1935 Rolex Oyster
This 1935 Rolex Oyster has a gold dial that is one of the best vintage Rolexes of Bernie. This piece is so stunning that even the hardcore collectors may forgive the restoration. Sir Malcom Campbell was seen wearing this 1935 Rolex Oyster.
- Price: $37,830
- Diameter: 32 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1935
15. Hublot Classic
This Hublot Classic stainless-steel piece is a prosaic quartz-movement Hublot chronograph timepiece that gives no indication that its brand will eventually release this radical Big Bang model. Made of steel, large with a black rubber strap and automatic movement, the Hublot signature that now everyone copies. Jay-Z has a great collection of timepieces, including Hublot Classic.
- Price: $2,595
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Release Year: 1980
16. Audemars Piguet Millenary
This is the latest Audemars Piguet Millenary model having a slightly oval case. Also, it comes with a spare strap, a brown crocodile strap. Bernie was well aware that he would need to change his identity. Serena Willliams has been spotted wearing a rose gold Millenary.
- Price: $2,595
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 20 m
- Release Year: 1881
17. Franck Muller Casablanca
One of the wonderful Frank Muller classics- Casablanca, is a true incarnation of sober refinement that is expressed in quite an enchanting style. Frank Muller Casablanca has luminous Arabic numbers and alligator strap. A symbol of the brand and its distinctive numerals make it completely original and allow perfect visibility. It is a sporty stainless-steel model, a lady’s Frank Muller with a militaristic black dial. Aparshakti Khurana flaunts his Casablanca watch.
- Price: $2,920
- Diameter: 53 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 m
- Release Year: 1998
18. 1995 Rolex Explorer II
The 1995 Rolex Explorer II has numbered bezel. For the inveterate traveler, a butch masterpiece, this Explorer II boasts one-second hand with a 24-hour dial and a large arrow. Orlando Bloom, Jason Statham, and Anthony Kiedis all wear the Rolex Explorer II.
- Price: $5,188
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Release Year: 1995
19. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic
This is one of the most competent traveller’s watches showing multiple time zones having city names displayed at 6 o’clock. LeCoultre makes the world’s finest mechanical watches. Actor Nicolas Cage has been spotted wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic.
- Price: $8,106
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Water Resistance: 50 m
- Release Year: 2007
20. 1936 Vintage Rolex
It’s a very rare Imperial Chronometer released in the mid-30s. The 1.4 inches case of this handsome watch makes it truly wearable. The look is quite desirable and professional.
- Price: $17,186
- Diameter: 29 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Release Year: 1936
21. Blancpain Leman flyback
A recent model for true connoisseurs, it is suitable for both dressy and casual wear. The company boasts ‘it has never made any quartz watches since 1735’. Vladamir Putin, Jacques Costeau and Brad Pitt are seen in Blancpain watches.
- Price: $4,215
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1994
22. Forties Rolex OP Datejust
The forties Rolex OP Datejust having a cartier black alligator strap, is a honey of a Rolex watch in steel with a gold bezel. It has an Art Deco feel. Now it is more handsome and timeless. Martin Luther King, Aaron Paul, and Roger Federer wear Rolex Datejust.
- Price: $3,890
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1945
23. Cartier Tank Basculante
With this lesser-known of Cartier’s finer works, Bernie showed real taste. This stainless-steel timepiece has a navy-blue alligator strap. It’s quite an elegant piece. Gary Cooper favored Cartier Tank Basculante.
- Price: $3,135
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 m
- Release Year: 1932
24. IWC Mark XV
When producers of Hollywood movies need to portray action men having taste instead of a surfeit of hormones, this IWC Mark XV stainless steel watch is one of their favorites. Tom Cruise, in Vanilla Sky, has been spotted wearing IWC Mark XV.
- Price: $2,595
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Water Resistance: 60 m
- Release Year: 1999
25. 950 Patek Philippe
This piece is truly magnificent, a definition of a classic. It is highly covetable in platinum with one small second dial. Since 1932, it has been virtually unchanged.
- Price: $7,134
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Release Year: 2008
26. 1940 Rolex Oyster
The yellow gold crown and rose gold bezel have been professionally restored. The piece is incredibly rare.
- Price: $21,077
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1940
27. Cartier Tank Americaine
This is a large 18k gold Cartier Tank timepiece. The elongated and slim Americaine is, for most watch collectors, the most attractive piece of the Cartier Tanks. Cartier Tank Americaine has been seen on Rami Malek and Tom Holland.
- Price: $3,620
- Diameter: 34.8 mm x 19 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Release Year: 1989
28. Piaget Gouverneur Automatique
The Piaget Gouverneur Automatique has a synthetic sapphire dial. The clever twist of Piaget on a watch of a dressy man with quite a wonderful sky-blue dial shows Madoff’s classic taste.
- Price: $6,485
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Release Year: 1993
29. Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT
This piece makes time-zone changing simple. One button can change the hour without affecting its minute hand. One small window displays the time in the second zone.
- Price: $3,892
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Release Year: 1995
30. Cartier Tank Francaise
Though quartz instead of mechanical, there is much more to admire in this 18k gold Cartier Tank Francaise. It is a classic tank. Its slightly carved sides to its case add a touch of individualism. Michelle Obama has been seen wearing Cartier Tank Francaise.
- Price: $5,837
- Diameter: 32 mm x 27 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Release Year: 1996
31. Audemars Piguet Chronograph
Functional, elegant, and understated, this Audemars Piguet chronograph has two sub-dials for timekeeping and seconds.
- Price: $7,134
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Release Year: 1993
What Watches Bernie Madoff Owns?
When Madoff was put in prison finally, all goods were seized from his estate, and all his belongings were auctioned off in New York in a fire sale. Household objects, trinkets, jewelry, and clothes from his Manhattan penthouse, Palm Beach estate, and Hamptons beach house went under the hammer, which rose over £600,000, around twice more than expected. The goods sold off presented quite a fascinating insight into Bernie’s world. The estate auction of Madoff went down in Sheraton New York Hotel in November 2009.
There was one of the best personal displays of his vintage watches the country has witnessed in quite some time. The rose gold detailing on the IWC Portuguese timepiece in mint, crystal engravings over the modern leather band, platinum Cartier on alligator, and, not to forget, custom vintage Rolex shows his taste in some luxury timepieces.
From the Writer
Madoff’s watch collection includes 7 Cartiers, 17 Rolexes and timepieces from Frank Muller, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, all of which are manufactured by companies based near or in Geneva. There were plenty more vintage and beautiful watches auctioned off. Often Madoff restored his vintage watches. Seems that Madoff is into vintage Rolexes. It is evident that his watch collection is quite a collection.
