The watch collection of the late Hollywood actor Robin Williams has contributed to an auction that has generated $6.1 million from a lifetime of amassing memorabilia and art.
The Sotheby’s New York sale, marketed under the headline Creating a Stage: The Collection of Marsha and Robin Williams sold more than 300 lots that reflected the diverse interests and careers of Mr Williams and his wife of 20 years, film producer and philanthropist Marsha Garces Williams.
All 45 wristwatches on offer from Mr Williams’ personal collection were sold for a total of $445,000 – double the group’s high estimate.
The collection was led by a fine white gold tonneau-shaped Minute Repeating Tourbillon Wristwatch Ref 6850 by Franck Muller, circa 1998, which achieved $52,500 (estimate $25/35,000).
The selection also featured the Hamilton Watch Co. Wristwatch that Robin wore in the film Dead Poets Society, which was engraved on the back Robin Williams Dead Poet Society 1988 and presented to the actor after filming completed. The watch, which had been estimated to sell for $1/2,000, fetched $32,500.
A portion of the proceeds from today’s auction will benefit organizations championed by the couple, including Human Rights Watch, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Wounded Warrior Project. Proceeds from the sale will also help establish a permanent Robin Williams Scholarship Fund at The Juilliard School in New York.
