Tom Brady’s Rare Watch Fetches $960,000 at Auction
A limited-edition Vagabondage II from the football legend's personal collection shatters world records at Sotheby’s New York
NFL legend Tom Brady has solidified his reputation as a world-class timepiece collector after a rare watch from his personal collection sold for $960,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
The timepiece is an exceptionally rare F.P. Journe Vagabondage II, one of only 69 units ever produced by the Swiss luxury watchmaker. Originally launched as a charity initiative, the Vagabondage series features a unique, flat tortoise-shaped case and notably omits the brand's name from the dial—a bold design choice that earned it a cult following among horology enthusiasts.
At the heart of the custom 2017 watch is the manual-winding Calibre 1509 movement, crafted entirely from 18-karat rose gold. It features a jumping digital display for both hours and minutes, a rare mechanical complication. Kept in pristine condition with its original packaging and papers, the watch easily surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $400,000 to $800,000, setting a new world record for the model.
This milestone event highlights a growing global trend, as high-profile memorabilia sales associated with sports legends frequently surge during major international tournaments like the World Cup.
However, market experts warn that this intense demand has fueled an online influx of illegal counterfeit sites offering fake sports and pop-culture collectibles disguised as originals.
Collectors are strongly urged to exercise caution and verify authenticity through official certificates, as replicas hold no value for future resale or investment.