Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Cartier Watch to be Auctioned at Christie’s

Today Christie’s New York Watches announced The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Cartier Tank as a sale highlight of its June 21st Rare Watches and American Icons New York sale.

Originally given to the former first lady by her brother-in-law Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill, she wore this Cartier Tank for decades, which can be seen on her wrist in many photos. The watch features the engraving: “Stas to Jackie 23 Feb. 63 2:05 am to 9:35 pm.” The times refer to the start and stop times of the famous 50-mile hike in Palm Beach in 1963, one of many such events held around the country as part of President Kennedy’s initiatives to make Americans more physically fit. His inner circle of family and friends were among the first to attempt the hike.. This watch will be accompanied by a painting that Mrs. Kennedy made as a gift for Stas Radziwill, celebrating the hike with the dedication, “February 23, 1963 2:05 am to 9:35 pm / Jackie to Stas with love and admiration.”

Previously unknown to the public, the watch and painting are two of the most important historic artifacts to surface in recent years from the Kennedy presidential era. Commenting on the items, John Reardon, international head of Christie’s Watches says, “The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Cartier Tank is a watch full of emotion, love and history. Together with Jackie’s painting, these two objects capture the spirit of another era, a time where friendship and the “can-do” optimism of the generation seemed to make anything possible. In this spirit, the consignor has offered to donate a portion of the proceeds to the National Endowment for the Arts,”he watch’s estimate: $60,000 – $120,000).