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Hamilton. A Fine and Historically Important Two-Tone Gold Filled Asymmetrical Wristwatch with Center Seconds and Black Dial, Belonging to the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson

Signed Hamilton, Electric, Pacer Model, Case No. S202360, Circa 1958

Details

Hamilton. A Fine and Historically Important Two-Tone Gold Filled Asymmetrical Wristwatch with Center Seconds and Black Dial, Belonging to the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson
Signed Hamilton, Electric, Pacer Model, Case No. S202360, Circa 1958
Movement: Quartz, Cal. 500
Dial: Black, Arabic and arrow numerals, center seconds
Case: 10k Gold filled asymmetrical, white gold filled asymmetrical lugs, engraved snap on back reading; PRESENTED TO SENATOR LYNDON B. JOHNSON BY THE MCDOWELL COUNTY DEMOCRATS, WELCH. W. VA, OCT. 18-58, 31.5mm width, 45mm overall length
Buckle: Associated gold plated buckle
Accompanied By: A booklet with multiple images of Senator Johnson wearing the watch at various events with literature

Special Notice

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

Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)

The 36th President of the United States from 1963-1969, Lyndon Baines Johnson (or LBJ) succeeded President John F. Kennedy in November, 1963, following his tragic assassination. Before he assumed a presidential position, LBJ’s rise to the White House was a series of successful electoral positions for which he is known to have preceded with a strong and persistent personality.
The present watch was offered to then-Senator Johnson as Guest of Honor by McDowell County Democratic Committee on October 18, 1958, held in West Virginia.

The case back is engraved;
PRESENTED TO SENATOR LYNDON B. JOHNSON BY THE MCDOWELL COUNTY DEMOCRATS, WELCH. W. VA, OCT. 18-58

It is clear that Johnson valued this timepiece, wearing it extensively as he rose to leadership and eventual presidential nomination throughout his most influential years. The present booklet to accompany this lot offers a series of photographic events which show LBJ wearing the timepiece during the campaign trail of the Democratic elections of 1960. Although unsuccessful in this particular election, he was then chosen by Senator John F. Kennedy to be his running mate for the United States Presidency. They went on to win a close election over the Republican ticket of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., and Johnson was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 1961.

With its eccentric asymmetrical case design and interesting arrow-shaped numerals, the watch was perfectly suited to his ‘straight-shooter’ moniker, and is a true collector's item for watch collectors and American history enthusiasts alike.

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