Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Sep 30, 2015

LOT 189

CORUM PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL CHAIM WEIZMANN WATCH Corum, Coin-Like Wristwatch, movement No. 78264, case No. 114415. Made in the 1960s. Fine and rare, thin, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with a bas-relief of Chaim Weizmann on the case back and an integral 18K yellow gold Corum mesh bracelet.

USD 5,000 - 7,000

HKD 39,000 - 54,000 / CHF 4,900 - 6,800

Sold: USD 6,250

Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, graduated bezel, reeded band, snap-on case back with a bas-relief of President Chaim Weizmann, cabochon sapphire-set winding crown, sapphire crystal. Coin-like dial decorated with Hebrew lettering, centered by a menorah in relief. Black gold baton hands. Cal. 9```, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self compensating flat balance spring.


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Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 35 mm. THICKNESS 5 mm. Approx. overall length 200 mm. CHAIM WEIZMANN (1874 -1952) Highly educated in Germany and Switzerland with a PhD in organic chemistry, Weizmann (Leader and statesman) was the President of the Zionist Organization who became the first President of Israel in 1949, a post he held until his death in 1952. In fact, Weizmann met with US President, Harry Truman and worked to obtain the support of the US government for the establishment of the state of Israel. As a biochemist, Weizmann developed the acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation process - an important production method for acetone for the British in WWI. Acetone being the key component for making Cordite - the vital propellant for bullets and shells. While living in England under the name "Charles" Weizmann, he registered approximately 100 research patents. He founded the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovah, Israel. Both Weizmann and his wife are buried in the gardens of his home on the grounds of this institute.