Alexander Historical Auctions in Maryland, a specialist in historically significant artifacts, is selling a wristwatch said to have been owned by Adolf Hitler with a pre-sale estimate of $2-4 million.
The gold Andreas Huber reversible wristwatch was likely given to Adolf Hitler himself most likely on April 20, 1933, his 44th birthday.
It was discovered by a French soldier who seized the watch as ‘spoils of war’ on Friday May 4, 1945, when his unit became the first Allied force to arrive at Hitler’s retreat at Berchtesgaden in the mountains of Bavaria.
The watch and its history have been researched by watchmakers and military historians, all of whom have concluded that it is authentic and indeed belonged to Adolf Hitler, the auctioneer describes.
But Jaeger-LeCoultre has issued a statement saying it does not recognize the authenticity of the watch.
“Any inference that this is an authentic Jaeger-LeCoultre watch would be a falsehood and the company would take action accordingly,” the company states.
“The company is committed to the protection of its intellectual property and is prepared to take all necessary legal action to prevent the sale of frauds and counterfeits.”
No wartime documents can be obtained from Andreas Huber – their factory was bombed and subsequently burned down during World War II, Alexander Historical Auctions says.
Can somebody explain to me what kind of relationship JLC has with Andreas Huber? Why did JLC commented on this watch?
“The company is committed to the protection of its intellectual property and is prepared to take all necessary legal action to prevent the sale of frauds and counterfeits.”
Insulting drivel aimed at killing the sale of the watch, which has intense international interest, and in punishing those mentioning it.
I am the auctioneer handling this watch, and the entire provenance may be found at: https://image.invaluable.com/privatelabel/connectwp/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2022/07/12144940/Watch-Brochure-Final-2.pdf
In the provenance, a letter to our researcher direct from Jaeger-LeCoultre states that the firm made the movement. We never claimed that JLC made the watch, and as a matter of fact, they proofread the catalog and online content for the watch.
Now, apparently terrified that they will be associated in any way with Hitler and Nazis, they are panicking and it seems threatening those who mention the timepiece. In doing so, they devalue the piece, and libel me and my auction house.
If they’re smart, they’ll amend the libelous statement they have issued and choose their words more judiciously.
Bill Panagopulos
Auctioneer
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Well said Bill !!!!! My sentiment EXACTLY !!!!