Per Christie’s, the singer only became a serious collector of lively and vibrant art and objects whilst living on Peachtree Road, where he settled in 1992 after becoming sober two years before. Among the nostalgic treasures John amassed during his Atlanta days is an eclectic but sophisticated collection of watches – 31 of which are to be sold at the auction.

Many of John’s pieces are characteristically theatrical, brimming with glitz and glam. But as witnesses to this storied era of the star’s life, they also chronicle John’s tours around the United States, his recovery from substance and alcohol abuse, and the warmth of communities like Atlanta’s Triangle Club.

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In the same way, Christie’s invites the public to witness a new chapter in John’s world as he bids farewell to this historic home. A free exhibition at 20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City will run from February 9 to February 21 before the auction, which includes live sales on February 22 and 23 and online sales from February 24 to 27.

In celebration of the singer’s tastes, both playful and refined, here are five of our favourite watches out of the 31 up for grabs in The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road that stand out as cultural artefacts and distinct timepieces in their own right.

1. Chopard, Elton John Aids Foundation Piece Unique Model, Ref. 1279

Two diamond-studded large white gold skulls at 12 and 6 o’clock frame this 18-carat white gold and diamond-set Chopard (circa 2010s). The singer established the Elton John Aids Foundation in 1992 after losing friends Ryan White and Freddie Mercury to the disease within the span of a year. This unique chronograph has an estimated sale price of US$10,000 to US$15,000, and commemorates the artist’s poignant experience with loss.

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2. Cartier Crash

Estimated to sell for USD$70,000 to US100,000, John’s 18-carat gold asymmetrical wristwatch is part of a limited run of 400 timepieces released in 1991. Created in the Paris workshops, these rare watches feature a distinct “crash” deployant clasp, with only very few having publicly surfaced. With the present lot remaining impressively well-preserved, this watch is sure to attract a flurry of interest.

3. Rolex “Leopard” Daytona

Officially launched in 2004 and crafted from 18-carat gold, this eye-catching Daytona (circa 2001) features 48 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs and 36 square-cut yellow sapphires set into the bezel. Diamond hour markers adorn the leopard print dial of this automatic chronograph wristwatch, with its leather strap featuring a complementary leopard print.

Eccentric and rare, this timepiece has garnered widespread appreciation from collectors such as John himself for its flamboyant and bold design, as it comes from an otherwise traditional brand. It sells for an estimated USD$40,000 to US$60,000.

4. Cartier Tank Normale Baguette

John’s opulent 18-carat white gold rectangular wristwatch comes complete with a diamond-set Cartier “D” deployant clasp. Twenty dazzling baguette diamonds are set into the bezel, enhancing the watch’s blue baguette sapphire dial. Measuring 23mm by 39mm, this manual-winding Cartier (circa 2000s) has a sale price estimated to be between US$20,000 and US$30,000.

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5. Cartier Pasha No 9/20

Emblazoned with a red, five-clawed dragon above crested waves against a cream background, this white gold and diamond-set automatic wristwatch (circa 2000s) is estimated to sell at USD$15,000 to US$25,000. With a Cartier deployant clasp and a cloisonné enamel dial, John’s one-out-of-20 timepiece is as rare as they come.