Antiquorum Auctions James Dean’s Lucky Pocketwatch


GettyImages_88022012150At its upcoming June 22nd auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” in Hong Kong, Antiquorum will be auctioning a prized possession and lucky charm of legendary actor James Dean, a pocketwatch made by American watchmaker Standard USA with an American-made Elgin movement.

Dean purchased his prized watch in late 1951 while still a struggling young actor working in New York. It was his first big purchase, and he was so proud of it he had his initials engraved on the gold cover. Dean considered the watch his good luck charm and wore it while performing in TV and plays. The chain holding the watch was given to him by his estranged father.

Dean later gifted the watch to Tillie Starriet, a Warner Brothers employee whom he befriended during the filming of “East of Eden.” The watch comes with a letter from Starriet, authenticating the timepiece.

James Dean’s keyless pocket watch was made circa 1889 by Standard USA, with an Elgin movement. The gold filled case features a cartouche with the initials “JD” engraved on the front cover. The dial is white enamel with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, sunken subsidiary seconds and blued steel spade hands. The movement and case are signed.  The pre-auction estimate is US$5,000 – $10,000.

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  1. Vol Mercurius

    Doesn’t “Standard U.S.A” refer to N.Y. Standard Watch Company? Is Antiqorium perhaps confusing the “Elgin Watchcase Company” for the watchmaker?

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