Kennedy's Omega
Watches that were once owned by the rich, the famous or the powerful are always popular with collectors. John F. Kennedy was clearly all three and his Omega wristwatch has achieved iconic status.
The Stockdale Watch
Kennedy's Omega was an 18 carat gold Ultra-thin model which was given to him in 1960 by his friend Grant Stockdale. JFK nicknamed it the "Stockdale Watch". The inscription on the back of the watch reads:"President of the United States John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant"
This was optimistic and/or prescient - JFK had not yet
become president.
Kennedy adored his new Omega and Jaqueline wrote to Stockdale commenting on its elegance. The President wore the Stockdale Watch at his inauguration ceremony and a photo published in LIFE magazine shows it clearly.
After Kennedy's assassination the Stockdale Watch became part of the famous Robert White Collection of JFK memorabilia. In December 2005 the watch was auctioned in New York. It fetched $350,000 (less than some people expected) and was bought back by Omega themselves. The watch will be displayed at the Omega Museum in Biel and is later expected to tour the US.