Month: June 2017

Christie’s has just announced that, as part of its June 21 Rare Watches and American Icons auction in New York City, it will be selling a Tank replica watch owned and worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The pairing of an iconic watch – that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, no less – with one of the most amazing personalities of the 20th century, it’s impossible to resist.  
It was given to commemorate a 50-mile hike undertaken by Stas and some of their other friends and relatives in Palm Beach in February of that year. Jackie participated in parts of the hike, though not the whole matters. While some historic watches and gifted fake watches have a connection to some one significant but were never really worn, Jackie wore the watch regularly for years and it can be seen on her wrist in many popular photographs.
The fake watch itself is a small yellow gold Tank with a diminutive movement inside that you manually wind by turning the sapphire cabochon-set crown. The case seems to have taken on a nice soft finish from wear, and the hallmarks and serial number are clearly visible. The dial has certainly aged – showing that the watch is honest and was well-worn – with a little vignetting along the edges of the parchment-colored ground and some light spotting to the inky numerals and minute track.
From the “France” signature on the dial and the “Made In France” engraving on the back, we also know that this replica watch must have been purchased at in Paris, which makes sense given the family’s ties to the French capital. It’s worth remembering that at the time, the only three places in the world you could purchase Replica products were at the boutiques in New York, London, and Paris. There were no third-party retailers of watch, so obtaining something from the vaunted design house was not so easy.  
The watch comes with an unusual companion too. Along with the Tank the winner will receive a painting made by Jackie in 1963 for – you guessed it – her brother-in-law Stas. Below the painting of Stas and his friend Chuck Spalding on a hike, is a hand-written message nearly identical to the engraving, which reads “February 23, 1963 2:05 am to 9:35 pm / Jackie to Stas with love and admiration.” Until now, the existence of this painting was not publicly known to all.
As if you needed more reasons to be interested, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this watch and painting will be donated to the National Endowment for the Arts. This is per the wishes of the consignor, who is choosing to remain anonymous (for obvious reasons). The Rare replica watches and American Icons sale will take place at Christie’s New York City saleroom on June 21, with sessions at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The catalog is not online though, but it keeps your eyes on the Christie’s Watch Department website for more details soon.