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AROUND THE WORLD 1: Swiss Company Buys Kennedy's Watch

After a fierce bidding war with avid collectors, Omega Watches, the global Swiss watch company, prevailed in the purchase of John F. Kennedy's famed Omega wristwatch Thursday at Guernsey's auction of John F. Kennedy: The Robert L. White Collection held at New York's Seventh Regiment Armory. At $350,000, the watch was by far the most expensive item in the session.

"We are thrilled that it happened this way. Congratulations to Omega," said Arlan Ettinger, founder and president of the auction house.

The watch, from 1960, was a gift to then Senator John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant Stockdale before the election. With a bit of humor and perhaps some premonition, Mr. Stockdale had the back of the watch engraved with the following message: "President of the United States John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant."

Stephen Urquhart, President of Omega said, "Watches are emotional purchases and we were very determined to procure this watch. It is important to Omega due to its history and will reside in the Omega Museum next to the first watch worn on the moon--something Kennedy himself made possible."

"We are delighted that this beautiful watch will be exposed to the public and placed next to other major pieces. It is a fitting home for the Kennedy watch," continued Ettinger.

Also available at the auction were a thank-you letter written by Jacqueline Kennedy to Mr. Stockdale who lauds the Omega as "nicer than the watch I gave him," and an image from LIFE Magazine of the 35th President wearing the watch on his inauguration day.

After its stint in the Omega Museum, the watch will make a tour of the United States.

OMEGA is a brand of The Swatch Group, Ltd. based in Biel, Switzerland.

Article courtesy of Newstream.com

Visit their website at www.newstream.com


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