NEW YORK, NY.- On 16 April 2000, Tom Brady was selected by the New England Patriots with the 199th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Though only seeing the field for a handful of snaps his rookie year, Brady was thrust into a starting role in the 2001 season after an injury to veteran starter Drew Bledsoe in Week 2. Brady seized the opportunity of the next man up, leading the Patriots all the way to a 20-17 victory in Super Bowl XXXVI that year, becoming the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl MVP. Brady would win five more Super Bowls with the New England Patriots as well as one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on his way to becoming the best quarterback, and arguably player, in the history of the sport.
In his storied twenty-three year football career, Brady achieved unparalleled success that most can only dream of and will likely never be replicated. Brady is a seven-time Super Bowl champion, which is not only the most of any player, but its also more than any franchise. Brady ended his career as the NFLs all-time leader in passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649), ranks first all-time in Super Bowl MVPS (5) and was selected to the Pro Bowl a record 15 times the most of any other player in NFL history. He is also a three-time 1st-Team All-Pro selected and a three-time AP MVP. It is these statistics as the most decorated player in NFL history, his unwavering focus and dedication for the game, that inextricably link him to his deserved nickname - The G.O.A.T.
Away from the football field, the legendary quarterback has channeled his keen eye for detail into a remarkable passion for watches. Brady credits his parents for igniting his love for timepieces, receiving his first watch as a gift to commemorate his high school graduation and acceptance into the University of Michigan. He even revealed that his college computer screensaver featured an IWC GST Automatic Alarm, a timepiece he long aspired to own. However, it wasnt until he won his first Super Bowl in 2002 that he truly embarked on his collecting journey, famously visiting the Tourneau store in Manhattan, and acquiring that same IWC GST Automatic Alarm on his college screensaver, as well as a steel IWC GST Chronograph Rattrapante and a Panerai Luminor Marina. Since then, Bradys passion for watches has flourished, leading him to amass an impressive collection of coveted timepieces, ranging from ultra-rare vintage references to the most sought-after modern grails, reflecting a true connoisseurs appreciation for horology.
This December, a trove of cherished items integral to Bradys dual passions will be showcased in a dedicated single-owner Evening sale at Sothebys in New York. The auction celebrates Bradys rich and multifaceted life, offering a glimpse into a side of him that many fans might not know one of an aesthete as well as an athlete. Featured items include game-worn jerseys from his college days at the University of Michigan, pivotal games with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and treasured Super Bowl mementos. Additionally, the sale will showcase notable watches worn by Brady at high-profile events both in and out of the sports world, including pieces from Patek Philippe, Rolex, and IWC, as well as a unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon, custom-made for Netflixs Greatest Roast of All Time: The Roast of Tom Brady.
Highlights from the collection will travel to Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas before returning to New York for The Luxury Sales exhibition in December, prior to their sale on 10 December as part of The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady.
Ive been so fortunate to have such an amazing journey in my career, and these watches and collectibles really capture those unforgettable moments and all the hard work behind them. Im excited to give fans and collectors a chance to own and cherish these special pieces from my journey just like I have. I hope they bring as much joy and inspiration to fans as they did for me! --TOM BRADY
A Glimpse Inside The Collection
In the past few years that I have come to know Tom Brady, watches have been our common denominator. We are incredibly honored to be working with Tom in the curation of his single owner sale where we are featuring a selection of timepieces along with some of his prized sports treasures from his football career. Just as he mastered the language of football, he has devoted himself to understanding the intricacies of watches, curating a world-class assortment of exquisite timepieces in recent years that reflects his deep passion for collecting. ---RICHARD LOPEZ SOTHEBYS SENIOR SPECIALIST, WATCHES
A piece unique white gold and diamond-set flying tourbillon Royal Oak with bracelet by Audemars Piguet, owned and worn by Tom Brady in Netflixs Greatest Roast of All Time: The Roast of Tom Brady. Encased in white gold with a baguette diamond-set bezel, the watch features an elegant salmon dial with a tapisserie evolutive pattern radiating asymmetrically from the tourbillon. Designed specifically for Brady, the dial replaces standard indices with his name set in calibré-cut and baguette diamonds, with the number seven in Roman numerals symbolizing his seven Super Bowl victories. Through the sapphire crystal case back, a custom rotor bearing Tom Bradys signature is visible, adding a personal touch to this remarkable timepiece. Estimate $400,000 800,000
Amongst the horological heavyweights in Bradys collection is a Richard Mille 35-03 Baby Nadal, the fourth model in the RM 035 collection in collaboration with Tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Developed over three years, the model introduced an innovative winding mechanism called the butterfly rotor. This patented system is designed to protect the barrel from the wear and tear caused by high- intensity movements in sports, where rapid rotor winding can occur. Encased in blue quartz TPT, a signature material renowned for its lightweight yet durable properties, the watch is both robust and elegant. Estimate $300,000 - 500,000
A Rose-Gold Patek Philippe Nautilus worn and cherished by Brady since he acquired it in 2017. Renowned for its distinctive porthole-shaped case, integrated bracelet, and timeless elegance, the Nautilus is now a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship, celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Discontinued earlier this year across all iterations, the Reference 5980/1R-001 Nautilus has become even more rare and collectible, further elevating its desirability. Estimate $180,000 240,000
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date revolutionized wristwatches as the first to display both the day and date separately on the dial. Made exclusively in precious metals, including 18k yellow, white, and pink gold, as well as platinum, the Day-Date quickly became a symbol of luxury and prestige. Hardstone dials are among the most attractive and collectible dials to have ever found their way into the Day- Date line. Bradys Rolex Reference 228396TBR boasts a stunning meteorite dial encased in platinum, complemented with a baguette diamond-set bezel and diamond hour markers. Estimate $80,000 120,000
As a former IWC ambassador, Tom Brady has been frequently photographed wearing his Pilots Watch TOP GUN Edition SFTI model. Most famously, he wore this watch during his last Super Bowl Champion Parade in 2021 following his historic victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Estimate $12,000 18,000
These are absolute treasures from the greatest to ever play the game. The collection is truly unparalleled; the stories they tell, the authenticity they embody, and their historical significance elevate them beyond mere collectiblesthese items are genuine pieces of sports history. To put it simply, this is a collection that collectors can only dream of. From Tom Bradys collegiate journey to his NFL Combine appearance, and remarkable rise from humble beginnings to Super Bowl triumphs with both the Patriots and Buccaneerseach item in this auction embodies these pivotal moments. BRAHM WACHTER SOTHEBYS HEAD OF MODERN COLLECTIBLES
NFL Combine Shirt from 40-Yard Dash. The image of Tom Brady in a white shirt during the 40-yard dash at the 2000 NFL Combine has become iconic, symbolizing one of the most remarkable draft stories in NFL history. Each year, as the draft approaches, this photo circulates widely on social media, serving as a reminder of the New England Patriots fortuitous decision to select Brady. Despite initial skepticism about his athleticism, this image stands as a testament to Bradys incredible journey from an overlooked draft pick to one of the greatest players in NFL history. Estimate $100,000 200,000
Michigan Final College Game Worn Jersey. Tom Bradys final game at the University of Michigan remains one of the most memorable performances of his college career. The 2000 FedEx Orange Bowl featured Bradys Michigan Wolverines against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first Orange Bowl ever to reach overtime. This game is often seen as a pivotal moment in Bradys journey, offering a glimpse of the greatness that lay ahead. In a thrilling 35-34 victory, Brady dazzled with 369 passing yards and four touchdowns. He completed 34 of 46 passes, a performance that ranked third in Michigans history at the time and still holds a spot in the programs top 10. Estimate $300,000 500,000
Its quite likely that Bradys most spectacular moment, the genuine apex of footballs greatest career, was the comeback he engineered in Super Bowl LI on 5 February 2017. Possibly the most famed comeback in sports history, the New England Patriots stunning surge saw Brady lead his team from a 28-3 deficit with little more than a quarter remaining against the Atlanta Falcons. Clawing back from the 25 point hole in the third quarter, Brady dialed up every play he could find on his wrist to pick up three touchdowns, two two-point conversions, and a field goal in less than 18 minutes of game time. The unprecedented turnaround was a masterclass in quick decisive passing and yet was highlighted with an unbelievable toss to Julian Edelman that saw him reel the ball in just centimeters off the ground. This remarkable turnaround pushed the game into overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history, where the Patriots ultimately triumphed, giving Brady his fifth Super Bowl title. Bradys wristband from The Comeback game along with the original playcard, stands as a treasured artifact in football lore. Estimate $120,000 180,000
In his second year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady defied the odds, leading the league in passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43) while steering the Bucs to a 13-4 record and the NFC South title. His precision, leadership, and football IQ were on full display, as he orchestrated multiple come-from-behind victories and helped Tampa Bay remain one of the top contenders in the NFL. This 2021-22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Used Helmet is matched to multiple games during the 2021 NFL Season and subsequent playoffs, including games against the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. Estimate $100,000 150,000