Back in 1980, John Lennon received a special gift from his wife, Yoko Ono, just two months before his tragic death. This gift was no ordinary item, but a Patek Philippe watch, worth a staggering $4. 51 million today. The watch was engraved with a special message: “(Just Like)/Starting Over/Love Yoko/ 10·9·1980/N. Y. C. ” It marked a significant moment in their relationship, as Lennon was working on his comeback album, Double Fantasy, after five years.

Fast forward to 2005, the watch disappeared. It traveled through Europe, passing through various auction houses, before finally landing in Switzerland. This is where a legal battle began between Yoko Ono and an unidentified man, known as Mr. A, who claimed to have purchased the watch legally in 2014.

In a recent court ruling, the Swiss Federal Court decided that the watch rightfully belongs to Yoko Ono. The court deemed the watch a stolen object, stating there was no proof that Ono intended to give away something so precious and sentimental. Mr. A, despite his purchase, can't legally own the watch because it was stolen.

This watch is more than just a valuable timepiece; it symbolizes a crucial period in Lennon and Ono's relationship. After a time of separation, Ono gifted the watch to Lennon as he returned to music. The album Double Fantasy, released in November 1980, reflected this rekindled love, featuring songs dedicated to Ono.

Yoko Ono Wins Back John Lennon's Stolen Watch

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