Bono's Self-Portrait Auctioned at €1,050 Amidst Luxury Watch Boom

In a surprising intersection of art and luxury, a self-portrait by Paul Hewson, famously known as Bono, has recently sold for €1,050 at Whyte’s Auctioneers. This sale highlights not only the rising value of personal memorabilia from iconic figures but also coincides with a burgeoning interest in luxury wristwatches, a trend that has experienced a notable uptick during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The auction took place on July 12, 2025, and drew attention not only for Bono's artistic contribution but also for the impressive lineup of luxury watches featured. The demand for high-end timepieces has remained robust even in a digital age dominated by smart devices. As Sophie Duff, a jewelry valuer at Adams Blackrock, articulates, "Many people saw it as a good time to make an investment in a watch" during the pandemic, where disposable income was more prevalent due to reduced spending on travel and entertainment.

Adams Blackrock's current jewelry auction, set to conclude on July 17, includes several standout pieces, such as the Patek Philippe "Golden Ellipse" 18-carat yellow gold man’s watch, dated 1988, with an estimated selling price between €7,500 and €8,500. Duff elaborates that this model exemplifies Patek Philippe’s mastery in watchmaking, particularly highlighting the exquisite Milanese bracelet strap.

Ken Israel, head of watches at Adams Fine Art Auctioneers, notes a strong and consistent demand for vintage Patek Philippe models, citing a recent sale where a Patek Philippe model no. 3940 J achieved a striking €40,000. He emphasizes that collectors today are more educated about the history of brands, reviving interest in previously overlooked models that combine mechanical excellence with aesthetics.

Moreover, the allure of luxury watches extends beyond vintage models. Current trends indicate a significant interest in brands like Cartier and Omega. Duff mentions that clients are particularly interested in bracelet-style watches, a departure from the traditional leather strap, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards more contemporary and versatile designs.

Additionally, O'Reilly's Fine Art Auctioneers identifies two emerging trends in the watch market: a growing interest in outdoor watches and pocket watches. Natasha Bernon from O'Reilly’s states that iconic brands can be acquired at a fraction of their retail cost due to the absence of VAT on pre-owned items, making high-quality luxury accessible for a broader audience.

The interplay between art and luxury collectibles, as showcased by Bono's self-portrait and the thriving market for wristwatches, underscores a cultural shift where personal expression and investment converge. As the world emerges from the constraints of the pandemic, the appetite for unique, high-value items continues to flourish, shaping market dynamics in both the art and luxury goods sectors.

In conclusion, the sale of Bono's self-portrait, alongside the increasing interest in luxury timepieces, reveals a vibrant market that values both personal legacy and exquisite craftsmanship. The future outlook for this market remains positive, as collectors and investors alike seek to navigate the evolving landscape of luxury acquisitions.