A watch worn by French war-time hero and president Charles de Gaulle fetched more than half a million euros during an auction of his personal items in Paris, according to auction house Artcurial.
The final sale price of €537,920 ($564,000) set a worldwide record for a watch by the 150-year-old French brand LIP. This manufacturer, based in Besancon, continues to produce a 'General de Gaulle' watch, honoring the legacy of the man considered France's greatest modern statesman.
The auction, which took place on Monday evening, featured a variety of de Gaulle memorabilia, including letters, a book manuscript, and even a school report, raising a total of €5.6 million. The event was organized by de Gaulle's descendants, who inherited a collection of personal items from his son, Philippe, who passed away at the age of 102 in March.
Notably, several French institutions, including the French National Library and the National Archives, participated as buyers in the eight-hour sale, highlighting the enduring significance of de Gaulle's legacy.