Artcurial to Auction Watches and Clocks Owned by Charles de Gaulle

As you know, we rarely talk about auctions on MONOCHROME. We prefer to focus on what we know best: independent watchmaking, explaining fine mechanics and talking about new watches. Yet, from time to time, something sparks our interest – and in the present case, it did on a personal level, maybe due to a certain chauvinism of mine as a Frenchman. Auctions always generate doubts regarding the originality or provenance of watches, but this time I’m going beyond these questions as the origin of the watches is undeniably special. Coming Monday, December 16th, French auction house Artcurial is hosting a sale entirely dedicated to former French President and important military figure of WWII, Charles de Gaulle, including several timepieces previously owned by the General. 

Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), known in France as General de Gaulle, was a French military officer who led the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in World War II and chaired the Provisional Government of the French Republic from 1944 to 1946 to restore democracy in France after its liberation. A key figure in the resistance and the fight against the German regime, he then came out of retirement to be appointed Prime Minister of France. After rewriting the constitution and founding the Fifth Republic, he was elected President of France in 1958, a position he held until 1969. An important, somewhat controversial figure, his role and continuous influence on French politics are still very much present in the so-called Gaullist legacy.

But we’re not here to talk history or politics but watches. On December 16th, 2024, French auction house Artcurial is hosting a sale entirely dedicated to Charles de Gaulle, with close to 400 lots collected by the General’s son, Philippe de Gaulle, who recently passed away. While most of the auction consists of military decorations and manuscripts written by de Gaulle, some lots sparked our interest, including several watches and clocks.

Lot 318 – Lip Electronic worn by De Gaulle

Probably the most interesting horology-related lot of the auction, we’re looking here at a wristwatch worn by the General from 1958 onwards. This yellow gold Lip Electronic R27 Patent Pending, with stylised lugs, is not only historically important because of its provenance, but also because of its movement. The mention “Electronic Incabloc Patent Pending” represents what French watchmaking could do back in the day, with a hybrid mechanical and electronic movement, the first of its kind in Europe, conceived in Besançon by French manufacturer Lip.

Offered here with an estimate of EUR 6,000-10,000, we believe this should be acquired by the brand and hopefully reissued… A handsome watch with historical importance.

Lot 351 – Bulova clock offered by Eunice and Sargent Shriver

According to the auction house, this clock, given by John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s sister, Eunice Kennedy, who became Mrs. Sargent Shriver, is a very interesting historical memento that reflects the strength of the Franco-American friendship. Her husband, Sargent Shriver, an American politician and diplomat who was alongside JFK at the beginning of his presidency, was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France in 1968, the same year his wife founded the first Special Olympics. A Bulova (an American brand), it was powered by an Accutron tuning fork movement and includes the mentions “Merry Christmas 1969 Eunice and Sargent Shriver” and “General and Madame de Gaulle”.

It is presented here with an estimate of EUR 2,000-4,000.

Lot 18 – L.Leroy & Cie Pocket watch

The property of Charles de Gaulle and later his son Philippe de Gaulle, this yellow gold pocket watch was manufactured by L. Leroy & Cie, a French manufacturer founded in 1785 in Paris and once the Watchmaker of the French Navy. This 50mm watch with a white enamel dial features the mention “L. Leroy & Cie Horlogers de la Marine 7 Bd de la Madeleine Paris No. 3874” on the back as well as engraved initials.

It is offered at a very accessible estimate of EUR 400-600 (which would be a bargain considering the provenance).

Lot 174 – Savonnette Pocket watch offered by the Bey of Tunis

Another lot that resulted from a gift to Charles de Gaulle was this pocket watch offered to him by the Bey of Tunis – the monarch of Tunisia, once a French colony. By family tradition, this watch is said to have been given by the Bey of Tunis to General de Gaulle on May 7, 1944, to celebrate the first anniversary of the liberation of the city of Tunis. This Swiss pocket watch is richly decorated with Ottoman patterns and has the mention “Muhammad Al Amin Pasha 1298” at the back. For the record, the Bey of Tunis also gifted Charles de Gaulle a wristwatch with an enamel cloisonné dial featuring his likeness. This watch, on which he is depicted in ceremonial attire, is now kept at the Patek Philippe Museum.

Presented here, this lot has an estimate of EUR 4,000-6,000.