Love Stories Behind Famous Watches

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Watches make the ideal romantic gift for many reasons. Ever-present on the wrist, it not only tells time, but serves as a daily reminder of a couple’s commitment to spend time together. Given on a special occasion, it becomes a marker of a particular moment or memory. Chosen carefully, it can last for decades and generations, which gives it true sentimental value.

Throughout history, there have been watches that captured the interest of the public, mainly because of the men and women who owned them. Some of them are more than just watches worn by famous people, but were presents given out of love and devotion:br

 

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Paul Newman’s “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona

There is perhaps no other watch with greater provenance than Paul Newman’s very own “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona. The sought-after watch with an exotic dial was a gift from Newman’s wife, actress Joanne Woodward after they starred in the 1969 movie, Winning.

Newman’s race car driving character started his interest in the sport. Woodward, worried for his safety but still ever so supportive, gave him the ultimate racing watch – the Rolex Daytona. She engraved a sweet message on its caseback: “DRIVE CAREFULLY ME”. Photo from 20th Century Fox, Public Domain and Phillips Auction on Instagram

SEE ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA WATCHES >

 

 

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John F. Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Louis
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John F. Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Louis

On the fourth year of their marriage, Jackie Kennedy gifted then President John F. Kennedy with an 18k gold Cartier Tank Louis. She personalized it with his initials, the Kennedy family arms, and their wedding date inscribed at the back. JFK was known to wear different watches, but it became his favorite and was often photographed with it.

This gift was the last watch the President would ever wear. It was on his wrist when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. After his death, Jackie decided to give the watch to his secretary, to express her appreciation. Photo by Cecil W. Stoughon, Public Domain

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Patek Philippe Gold Watch Princess Diana
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Princess Diana’s Patek Philippe Ellipse

In one of her most famous press photos, Lady Diana was spotted wearing two watches on one arm while watching the polo match of her then-fiancé Prince Charles. Asked by the press, she explained that one of the watches was hers, and the other was Charles – she wore his watch “as a tribute to him and to wish him luck in the match.”

Her personal watch was a Patek Philippe Ellipse with an 18-carat gold surround, a 20th birthday present from Charles. It remained a favorite of hers until their separation. Photo from Antiquorum and Mirror Royal on Twitter

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PHOTO CREDITS: Main photo – President and Mrs. Kennedy By Robert L Knudsen, White House [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons / Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward by Film Star Vintage licensed by CC BY 2.0
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