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President John F. Kennedy's personally-owned Elmar 17-jewel wristwatch with a gold-filled case and Hebrew numerals on the 30mm dial, displayed on a fine calf leather band. Untested and in fine cosmetic condition.
Accompanied by a 1987 letter of provenance from Evelyn Lincoln, John F. Kennedy's personal secretary, in part: “A very close friend of President John F. Kennedy made a trip to the Far East and upon return he gave the President the gold 'Elmar' watch with Far Eastern numerals and black calf leather wrist band, which you now have in your possession. The President tried it on. Then pushed it aside—and said he had no need for it." The letter is addressed to Robert L. White (1949–2003), who was known for having the finest JFK collection ever assembled.
Although this was not a watch that JFK wore daily, it is an intriguing piece of history—Kennedy founded the U.S.-Israeli military alliance, ending the arms embargo that the Truman and Eisenhower administrations had enforced on Israel. Describing the protection of Israel as a moral and national commitment, Kennedy was the first to introduce the concept of a 'special relationship' between the United States and Israel. This personally-owned Hebrew-numbered wristwatch from JFK's presidency, tried on and cast aside, stands as a unique piece symbolic of that enduring alliance.
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