Blancpain Recreates Marilyn's Ladybird Watch
June 04, 26
(IDEX Online) - Swiss watchmaker Blancpain has recreated seven unique versions of Marilyn Monroe's iconic diamond-encrusted Ladybird watch, to mark the centenary of her birth (1 June 1926).
Her original, much-beloved Art Deco watch resurfaced at a 2016 auction in Los Angeles, where the original manufacturer bought it back for $225,000.
It was crafted in platinum 950, set with 71 brilliant-cut and two marquise diamonds and is believed to have been a gift either from her third husband, Arthur Miller, or from a mystery man.
It was likely produced in the late 1940s or early 1950s, and was described as one of her prized possessions.
Blancpain, the world's oldest watchmaker, has now revived the historic timepiece with the Ladybird Tribute collection, priced at CHF 41,000 (USD 45,000).
Each of the seven watches bears one letter of "MARILYN" engraved on the case back and comes with a different-colored strap. They're made of white 18K gold, with 85 diamonds (tcw 1.360 carats).
Pix, courtesy Blancpain, shows Marilyn's original Ladybird watch (left) and one of the new revivals.