Sotheby’s will be presenting a unique Victory Watch, originally commissioned for Winston Churchill, in London on 22 September.
Designed after the Second World War by watch maker Louis Cottier (whose world time mechanism was also used in brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe) in collaboration with manufacturer Agassiz and Co., the watch was commissioned by a group of Swiss citizens to commemorate Churchill’s strength and leadership during the six year conflict.
“The Happy Warrior, he inspired England with courage and endurance when she was alone, defenceless and in great peril, and led her through five years to victory,” were the words of the Swiss benefactors.
With an estimate of £60,000 – 100,000, this unique timepiece features an enamel dial showing St. George slaying the dragon, with a trident as the hour hand. ‘V’ for Victory is proudly engraved on the back of case together with a personalised dedication: “1939 – Prime Minister Winston Spencer Churchill – 1945.”
Churchill is said to have been thrilled with his gift when he received it in 1946, writing back to the Swiss group and saying: “I admire so much the care and the quality with which this delicate example of craftsmanship and Swiss precision was realised.”
This watch will be a celebratory highlight of Sotheby’s London’s reintroduction of Watches sales in September.
