Lot 316
  • 316

The Xmas 1940 wristwatch

Estimate
800 - 1,200 GBP
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Description

  • watch dated 1940, later bracelet with British hallmarks for London, 1959
  • rubies, diamonds
  • length approximately 170mm
manual winding movement, the circular dial applied with Arabic numeral indicators, to shoulders set with calibré-cut rubies and single-cut diamonds, the reverse engraved Vivien Larry Only!! Darling Xmas 1940, to a later link bracelet.

Literature

Possibly that insured by Laurence Olivier, Lloyd’s policy, 3 April 1941, ‘4. Gold watch £23’, (Laurence Olivier Archive, The British Library, London, Add MS 79831).

Condition

Please note that this watch was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Manual winding movement, running at the time of cataloguing. Later link bracelet with British import hallmark for London, 9 carat gold, date letter d for 1959, sponsor's mark IG. Reverse of watch inscribed 'Vivien Larry Only!! Darling, Xmas 1940'. Diamonds bright and lively. Rubies purplish-red, transparent, wear to facet edges. Dial in good condition, with minor discolouration. Bracelet well-articulated, clasp secure. Scratches to surfaces consistent with wear. In good condition. Case diameter approximately 16mm. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This watch is likely to have been a gift from Larry to Vivien for Christmas 1940, marking their first Christmas together as a married couple. While undoubtedly a happy occasion for the two, this Christmas was also an unsettled period, unavoidably shaped by the conflict unfolding in Europe. Upon returning to England from America in 1940 to support the war effort, the newlyweds found their beloved house Durham cottage partially damaged by bomb raids. So began a transient time for the Oliviers, spent in temporary accommodation while waiting for renovations to be carried out, mostly near Worthy Down near Winchester, where Larry's squadron was based. Nevertheless, the couple remained active as performers, starring opposite each other in ‘That Hamilton Woman’ in the Autumn of 1940, as Emma, Lady Hamilton, and Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. In spite of the challenging circumstances that framed the early years of their marriage, the exuberance of the inscription to the reverse of this watch, in Olivier's own handwriting, speaks volumes of his joy at finally being married to his ‘Darling’. Vivien clearly loved the watch, as she was often photographed wearing it at numerous points throughout her life, in private and public. She also appears wearing the watch on the sets of some of her most celebrated films such as The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone (1961).