- Conditions of Sale
- FAQs
- This lot is offered by Christie's IncChristie's Inc
20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 10020, USA
Phone: +1 212 636 2000
Fax: +1 212 636 2399
Brought to you by
Lot Essay
John's Pick
This Tiffany & Co. chronograph pocketwatch is more than just a beautiful timepiece, its remarkable provenance is intertwined with the most legendary stone in existence (the Hope Diamond), one of the most legendary newspapers in the world (The Washington Post), and one of the most legendary sports teams (the Cincinnati Reds baseball team). According to Edward Beale “Ned” McLean III, the watch’s original owner was his great-grandfather, John Roll McLean. John Roll McLean was the owner of publisher of The Cinicinnati Enquirer and The Washington Post, for which he and his father acquired a controlling interest in 1905. Later, he worked with Senator Stephen Benton Elkins to build the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad, leading to McLean, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC, being named after him.
The watch was passed on to John Roll McLean’s only son, Edward Beale “Ned” McLean, Sr. and the watch case bears his monogram “EBM” in beautiful script. Edward Beale McLean and his wife Evalyn are perhaps best known for owning the Hope Diamond after purchasing it from Pierre Cartier in 1911. After Evalyn passed away in 1947, her estate sold the Hope Diamond along with her other jewels to Harry Winston in 1949 to settle debts. Harry Winston later donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution and it is arguably the most famous gem in the world.
This watch was then passed to Edward Beale “Ned” McLean II. It is understood that it was presented to him for his wedding in 1938 and it is possible that at that time the rabbit’s foot was put on the end of the fob that is engraved “Neddy 1938” - presumably as a totem for good luck.
The watch is stunning and has a 60-second chronograph complication. The dial is in white porcelain enamel and it harmonizes beautifully with the elegant blued hands. The movement is in beautiful condition and features beautiful script and ornate engraving on the balance cock.
The watch includes a signed letter attesting to its provenance from Edward Beale “Ned” McLean III, who received the watch from his father.
Click here to learn more about John Reardon
This Tiffany & Co. chronograph pocketwatch is more than just a beautiful timepiece, its remarkable provenance is intertwined with the most legendary stone in existence (the Hope Diamond), one of the most legendary newspapers in the world (The Washington Post), and one of the most legendary sports teams (the Cincinnati Reds baseball team). According to Edward Beale “Ned” McLean III, the watch’s original owner was his great-grandfather, John Roll McLean. John Roll McLean was the owner of publisher of The Cinicinnati Enquirer and The Washington Post, for which he and his father acquired a controlling interest in 1905. Later, he worked with Senator Stephen Benton Elkins to build the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad, leading to McLean, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC, being named after him.
The watch was passed on to John Roll McLean’s only son, Edward Beale “Ned” McLean, Sr. and the watch case bears his monogram “EBM” in beautiful script. Edward Beale McLean and his wife Evalyn are perhaps best known for owning the Hope Diamond after purchasing it from Pierre Cartier in 1911. After Evalyn passed away in 1947, her estate sold the Hope Diamond along with her other jewels to Harry Winston in 1949 to settle debts. Harry Winston later donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution and it is arguably the most famous gem in the world.
This watch was then passed to Edward Beale “Ned” McLean II. It is understood that it was presented to him for his wedding in 1938 and it is possible that at that time the rabbit’s foot was put on the end of the fob that is engraved “Neddy 1938” - presumably as a totem for good luck.
The watch is stunning and has a 60-second chronograph complication. The dial is in white porcelain enamel and it harmonizes beautifully with the elegant blued hands. The movement is in beautiful condition and features beautiful script and ornate engraving on the balance cock.
The watch includes a signed letter attesting to its provenance from Edward Beale “Ned” McLean III, who received the watch from his father.
Click here to learn more about John Reardon
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
Lot 59
Sale 13288
.jpg?mode=max&width=600)
TIFFANY & CO.
CHRONOGRAPH POCKETWATCH WITH CHAIN
Estimate: USD 3,000 - 5,000
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
Lot 59
Sale 13288
TIFFANY & CO.
CHRONOGRAPH POCKETWATCH WITH CHAIN
Estimate: USD 3,000 - 5,000
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of customs duties/charges and tariffs