An Omega men's wristwatch with a black leather strap. The following text is engraved on the verso: "President of the United States John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant." The watch was given to the President as a gift by Grant Stockdale before the 1960 election. President Kennedy wore the watch at his Inauguration at which time a photograph was taken of the President which appeared in LIFE magazine and prominently shows this watch on Kennedy's wrist. The President continued to wear the watch throughout early 1961 and whenever he would see Stockdale he would show him that he was wearing his watch. Grant Stockdale was later appointed by President Kennedy to be the Ambassador to Ireland. The verso of the strap has the word "Omega" stamped in gold-. Good condition. The leather strap is bent and worn. 8 1/2
Consigned to this auction, by members of Grant Stockdale's family, are two letters referring to this watch. Lot 967 is a handwritten letter from Jackie Kennedy to "Grant," thanking him for the gift of this watch (to JFK) and the jeweled pin he sent at the same time to her. In a letter from JFK to Grant Stockdale, Lot 965, Kennedy refers to this watch saying that "I am wearing the Stockdale watch again."