James Dean’s lucky pocket watch is up for auction this month!
The famous auction house Antiquorum will be offering James Dean’s pocket watch at its upcoming auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” in Hong Kong, on June 22nd. From a brief description, provided by the world's major auction house of modern and vintage timepieces, we found out that James Dean considered this watch as his “Lucky Watch.” He purchased it back in 1951, while he was still young emerging actor pursuing fame and fortune in New York City. Coincidentally not, his career started to blossom at that time, which made already superstitious James Dean to consider his pocket watch a good luck charm. He started wearing it on all occasions, and even in the movie East of Eden where it features an alternative cover that conceals its personalized inscription “J.D”.
James Dean’s lucky watch was later given to Ms. Tillie Starriet, a former Warner Bros employee whom James Dean greatly appreciated and even called her “Mom.”
As you can see on the images, James Dean’s lucky watch is presented in its original fitted box, it comes with chain, lamp pendant and documentation attesting to the provenance. The chain was later given to James Dean by his father, which is one of the rare gifts from this man who struggled to accept the fact that his son is going to become an actor, and not a lawyer. James Dean’s lucky watch, made circa 1889, was produced by American watchmaker Standard USA and it features an all-American Elgin movement. The watch measures 34mm in diameter and has a gold filled case with “JD” initials engraved on the front cover. The vintage white enamel dial sports Roman numerals, an outer minute track, slightly sunken small seconds counter and two blued steel hands. Both the movement and the case are signed.
James Dean’s lucky watch (lot 521) is rated Exceptional by Antiquorum, however, an overhaul of the movement is recommended at buyer’s expense. The estimate pre-auction estimate for this lot is 5,000 - 10,000 USD.
This is where you can place your bit on James Dean’s lucky pocket watch.
Author: Marina Milojevic
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