[EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955)].
These lots have been imported from outside the EU … Read more 'A human being is a part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space' -- Albert Einstein, 12 February 1950.
[EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955)].

Details
[EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955)].

A Swiss silver open-face pocket watch.

The gilt dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary dial for constant seconds, blue steel hands within rose coloured gilt bezel, the nickel-finished keyless 15 jewel lever movement with bi-metallic compensated balance, the engine-turned hinged case back with matching border and central vacant cartouche, German hallmarks, circa 1900, 49mm.

Movement unsigned, case no. 560365

Provenance: The watch has passed by direct descent from Albert Einstein to the present owner.

At least two other watches with an Einstein provenance are known: a Longines wrist-watch, manufactured in 1929 and presented to Einstein in 1931, which sold at auction in 2008 for $596,000; and a Longines pocket-watch dated 1943, now in the History Museum in Berne. The present, rather humbler, timepiece evokes a very different epoch in his life: 1900 is the year of the 21-year old Einstein's graduation, and also of his first published paper, a theory on intermolecular forces which he was later to characterise as 'worthless'.
Special notice
These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

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