An iconic Rolex GMT-Master worn by actor Marlon Brando in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film ‘Apocalypse Now’ has become embroiled in a civil lawsuit.
The watch was sold at Christie’s on 6 November for more than $US5 million ($AU7.52 million) as part of a special sale of more than 100 luxury timepieces.
The watch belonged to the collection of Omani businessman Mohammed Zaman. The auction returned more than $US42 million ($AU63.16 million).
Bloomberg has reported that Zaman has filed a lawsuit in Geneva concerning the sale, and in response, winning bidders have been instructed to withhold payment until further instruction.
“Mr. Zaman is regrettably blocking Christie’s from releasing watches to the successful buyers at the ‘Passion for Time’ sale,” a spokesperson said.
“Christie’s has taken immediate steps to challenge this interference with the sale process and is hoping for a swift resolution. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our valued clients pending that outcome.”
Brando’s Rolex was thought to be lost until 2019, when the actor’s daughter, Petra Brando Fisher, put the piece up for sale at Phillips auction house.
It’s believed Brando gifted the watch to his daughter after her university graduation in 1995. The watch sold in 2019 for $US1.9 million ($AU2.86 million).
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