A watch worn by French war-time hero and president Charles de Gaulle fetched more than half a million euros as part of an auction of his personal items in Paris, auction house Artcurial said.
The 537,920-euro ($564,000) sale price on Monday evening set a worldwide record for a watch by 150-year-old French brand LIP.
The manufacturer, based in Besancon in eastern France, still produces a “General de Gaulle” watch thanks to the patronage of the man regarded as the country’s greatest modern statesman.
Monday’s auction of de Gaulle memorabilia by Artcurial, which included letters, a book manuscript and even a school report, raised 5.6 million euros in total.
The sale was organised by de Gaulle’s descendants who inherited a trove of personal items from his brother, Philippe, who died at the age of 103 in March.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
