PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN COLLECTOR LUCKY NUMBER 13 Many around the world believe 13 to be the most unlucky of all numbers. But as one can see throughout history the exact opposite is true in a number of cultures and societies. In fact, civilizations that follow lunar calendars with 13 months see nothing sinister in the notorious number. For example, the ancient Egyptians, who followed the lunar calendar, were among the first to develop a lore surrounding the number 13. Seen as good luck, the number was traditionally associated with immortality. The belief being that there were 12 steps on the ladder to eternal life and that to mount the 13th step was to pass beyond death and into everlasting life. In Judaism, also following the lunar calendar, the number is considered lucky: a bar mitzvah is held at 13, the bible lists 13 attributes of God and the Law of Moses contains 613 commandments. Maimonides, a 12th century sage and the first to write a systematic code of Jewish law, outlined 13 principles. The most notable example of the reverence associated with 13 is repeatedly evident on one of the United States most common pieces of tender, the $1 bill. The right hand circle on the back of the bill is a modified version of what was to become the President's seal. It contains an eagle with 13 tail feathers with a shield with 13 stripes, holding an olive branch with 13 leaves in one talon and 13 arrows in the other, surmounted by 13 stars and the 13 letter phrase "E Pluribus Unum". The left hand circle on the bill contains the split pyramid with 13 steps. These appearances can be seen to relate as much to the founding of the original 13 colonies as well as with the importance of the number 13 in Masonic law. Many have hypothesized that the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklins, were associated with Freemasonry which may have influenced the country and its symbols throughout its history. The following eight watches display one collector's passion not only for complicated wristwatches by the International Watch Co. but also an obvious reverence for the number 13.

IWC. A RARE LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND SWEEP SECONDS

SIGNED IWC, SCHAFFHAUSEN, NO. 13/500, MODEL "DIE FLEIGERUHR, MARK XII", CIRCA 1995

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IWC. A RARE LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND SWEEP SECONDS
Signed IWC, Schaffhausen, No. 13/500, model "Die Fleigeruhr, Mark XII", circa 1995
With lever movement, blue matte dial with Arabic numerals, aperture for date, luminous hands, heavy circular water-resistant-type case with screw back, case, dial and movement signed, with a platinum IWC buckle
37mm diam.

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Accompanied by IWC cardboard slipcase and wood presentation box, with plaque inscribed Platinum, 13/500.