Comedian Joan Rivers’ Clocks, Watches Sell at Christie’s Auction
Vintage watches and clocks always amaze us when they go up for auction. They seem to always hold their value — especially when they have a celebrity provenance. Recently, at Christie’s New York auction of comedian Joan Rivers’ property, several clocks and watches were sold for more than double the estimated price.
Lot 28, an Austrian silver, gilt and malachite table clock with gemstones, was expected to fetch $2,000. The early 20th century ornate clock measuring 8-1/2 inches tall sold for $3,750.
Selling for $6,875 was Lot 31, another malachite table clock. This one was a late 19th century German Ormolu malachite-veneered table clock with a gilded astronomer sitting atop. The dial is signed John Hartmann, Horloger Du Roi, Berlin. The clock measures 20 inches in height. Experts had estimated that the clock may fetch $3,000.
As to watches, a lady’s Chanel Premier watch with quartz movement and a two-row gold-plated link bracelet, circa 1987, was estimated to sell in the range of $1,500 to $2,000. It realized $3,750. Additionally, Lot 95, a lady’s quartz Chopard watch with black resin case and dial was supposed to sell for $1,000 and actually sold for $2,125.
Rivers, whose acerbic comedic style earned her legions of fans and a co-hosting gig on E!’sFashion Police, passed away on Sept. 4, 2014, at the age of 81. During her successful 55-year-career as a comedian, actress, writer and producer, Rivers amassed an impressive collection of jewelry and watches from esteemed designers, such as Fabergé, Harry Winston, Chanel and Tiffany.
