Blancpain has paid $225,000 to bring a diamond-encrusted Blancpain watch owned by Marilyn Monroe back to Switzerland, the country where it was made.
The art deco style watch was sold by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles during a four day sale of personal items and memorabilia connected to the Hollywood siren.
The platinum Blancpain watch case is stamped KO 900 Plat 100 Irid, according to the auction catalogue. The movement is stamped Blancpain Rayville Watch Co.
Its pre-sale estimate was $80-120,000.
Marilyn Monroe may be famous for insisting that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but owned very few fine jewellery pieces.
Commenting on this purchase, Blancpain president and CEO Marc Hayek said: “We are delighted to have acquired this exceptional timepiece that once belonged to America’s most emblematic star. This model is now returning to Switzerland where it was made.”