French soccer legend Zinédine Zidane is preparing to auction his first ever watch, a Cartier Pasha, through Christie's Watches For ELA auction in November.
The auction and its purpose
The sale is more than a collector's item; the proceeds will be donated to ELA International, a nonprofit organization that has been working for decades to defeat leukodystrophies, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the brain's white matter.
Zidane's connection to the watch dates back 35 years, when he purchased it in Bordeaux. Though he is not a watch collector, he has kept the piece because of its sentimental value and the memories it holds.
A personal connection
In a recent interview, Zidane spoke about his lifelong passion for watches, describing how his instinct and feeling guide both his sporting decisions and his appreciation for horology.
Beyond his sporting achievements — including leading France to the 1998 World Cup victory and a memorable final in 2006 — Zidane is celebrated for his instinctive play and his ability to make decisions based on feeling, traits that also surface in his personal interests.
The auction will take place in Geneva, a city that has long served as a hub for luxury timepieces, and it will bring together collectors, philanthropists, and fans eager to support the cause.