Watches from the Pope, Randall Park, Coach K, Betty White to be auctioned off for charity
Zach BlassI always love to see watch auctions for charity. As a luxury segment, watches, especially of rarity or provenance, stand to bring in some serious money, and if the proceeds go to a good cause it is a win-win for all involved. Currently running until November 30, within Rago/Wright’s latest “Watches” auction catalogue there are nearly 50 lots up for sale as a part of the Once Upon a Time Watch Project. These lots, and the full proceeds of their hammer price, aim to support the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. Since 1992, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has presented 1058 scholarships to deserving college-bound students in Northeastern Wisconsin, the United States, and other parts of the world.
The Rago/Wright website explains: “Rago/Wright is honoured to team with the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation to present the Once Upon A Time Watch Project, an auction featuring a wide variety of watches — from Rolex, Longines, Omega, Bulova, Swatch, and other iconic makers — formerly owned and worn by individuals who have made a difference in the world. Watches from His Holiness Pope Francis, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, singer Frank Sinatra, actors José Ferrer and Fred Savage, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, former Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”), and many more are among the works sold to support this important cause.” You should definitely check out the full auction page here, but, below, I have put together five lots that stood out to me.
Swatch from Pope Francis ref. SR1130SW-GB743
Forget the holy trinity, here is your chance to own a truly holy watch. A watch that befittingly exudes a certain modesty appropriate for his station, this Swatch ref. SR1130SW-GB743 was graciously donated by Pope Francis. According to the lot essay, this lot marks the first time Pope Francis has offered such a unique gift to any United States charitable organisation. Furthermore, the watch comes with a letter of authenticity from the Personal Secretary of His Holiness, Father Fabio Salernon, to the LaViolette Family and members of the Brian LaViolette Foundation – serious papal provenance.
Geneva from Betty White Wristwatch and ring watch
Betty White is an absolute comedy GOAT, who across the decades of her pioneering career provided audiences with painful belly laughs all the way up until her death last year at the age of 99. Most actors, upon reaching their 80s in age, would retire, but not Betty. The comedian and actress, who was a key player in paving the way for women in comedy, had a resurgence in 2009 and among many hilarious roles and cameos would eventually become the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live at the age of 88. So, whether for yourself or for the partner in your life, to own this ring watch and watch set would be really special. The lot essay explains: “These timepieces are from the personal collection of Betty White. The vintage Geneva-brand wristwatch features a gold dial with black hands within a simulated diamond surround, to the stainless steel case back and the polished and matte gold-tone link bracelet. White’s ring watch, of mechanical movement, features a circular silvered dial with black Arabic numerals and is set with a faceted crystal to the gold-tone adjustable hoop.”
Wittnauer from Sgt. Donald Jakeway ‘World War II D-Day’ stainless steel wristwatch
The romance of watches far extends beyond how they tell time. It is the journey of its wear – why it was created, who wore it, and where they wore it. Steel “tool” or sports watches are the dominant category today, but most modern pieces are merely homages to vintage pieces worn during wars. This Wittnauer watch, however, is the real deal. The lot essay explains: “Sergeant Donald Jakeway wore this Wittnauer military-issued watch throughout his time serving in the United States Army. It is the actual watch he wore when he parachuted on the outskirts of Sainte-Mère-Église, France at 12:20am on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Sergeant Jakeway went on to fight in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge before being severely wounded. For his courage in combat, Sergeant Jakeway was awarded four Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, four Battle Stars, Jump Wings with two Stars, and the French Legion of Merit.”
Fossil from Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) ref. PR5331
Anyone who loves March Madness and NCAA College Basketball knows who Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) is. The venerated basketball coach, largely known for his championship-full 22 year tenure at Duke, and 10-year tenure coaching the United States National Basketball team (including the “Dream Team”), has earned him his place in the coaching hall of fame. That is why this Fossil watch, given to Krzyzewski could be an awesome snag for any Duke alumni – or anyone who loves the game of basketball. The lot essay explains: “This is a men’s stainless-steel Fossil PR5331 Classic Steel 100 metres divers watch. You can wear this watch with pride knowing that Coach K owned and wore it before you. It features the 2009 ACC Championship Sweet 16 dial with directional bezel on an easy-to-read dial.”
Heuer Chronograph from Randall Park ref. 404
While you may not know his name off-hand, you likely have seen actor Randall Park in various roles – whether as FBI agent Jimmy Woo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Ant-Man and Wandavision, in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, HBO’s Veep, NBC’s Young Rock, or most recently in the 2022 Netflix series, Blockbuster. As watch enthusiasts, you may have also seen Randall Park’s Four + One on HODINKEE where it is abundantly clear how much of a watch enthusiast he is himself. The lot essay for the Heuer watch Park has donated to the Once Upon a Time Watch Project auction explains: “The Heuer 404 Chronograph 33mm stainless chronograph is affectionately known today as the ‘Pre-Carrera’ and is one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Released in 1959 and offered until the mid 1960s, the Heuer ref. 404 is incredibly rare due to its short period of production. In addition to the watch’s gorgeously preserved silver dial, it comes with its original baby pushers — so-called for their narrow profile.”
For more information on the Once Upon a Time Watch Project Auction, and how to bid, head here.