Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant
This lot is offered without reserve. This watch i… Read more
Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant

Signed Vacheron Constantin, Ref. 6486, Movement No. 605'811, Case No. 441'930, Manufactured in 1969

Details
Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant
Signed Vacheron Constantin, Ref. 6486, Movement No. 605'811, Case No. 441'930, Manufactured in 1969
Movement: Manual, 18 jewels
Dial: Silvered, baton numerals, subsidiary seconds
Case: 18k gold, stepped downturned lugs, engraved case back reading; AL GRANDE AFFELLUOSO, CH. N. BARNARD, L. D. LARIA, 1969, 34mm diam.
Buckle: Associated 18k gold buckle
Accompanied By: A book entitled "Christian Barnard, One Life," by Dr. Christian Barnard & Curtis Bill Pepper, 1969
Provenance
From the Descendant of the Original Owner
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve. This watch is pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the auction. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot.

Lot Essay

Dr. Christiaan Neethling Barnard (8 November, 1922 – 2 September, 2001)

Dr. Ch. N. Barnard was a South African cardiac surgeon who matriculated from the Beaufort West High School in 1940 and studied medicine at the University of Cape Town Medical School, where he obtained his MB ChB in 1945. His father was a minister and missionary and his mother was of the knowledge that her son and his siblings could achieve anything they set their minds to.

On December 3, 1967, Dr. Barnard performed the world's first human to human heart transplant on his patient, Mr. Louis Washkansky, in Cape Town, South Africa, the operation lasted approximately 6 hours. Washkansky survived the operation and lived for 18 days. Barnard was celebrated around the world for his accomplishment and gifts such as the present watch were offered to him in tremendous gratitude for his successful medical achievement. The watch is engraved on the back with his name, the date as well the person who gave it to him and a message in Italian congratulating him on his accomplishment.



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