Adams
Lot 66
A LADY'S DIAMOND COCKTAIL WATCH, BY JAEGER-LECOULTRE, CIRCA 1965Of manual wind movement, the circular silver dial with baton and dots for numerals, blued steel sword hands, brilliant-cut diamond bezel and lugs, to a fitted double-row brilliant-cut diamond bracelet, dial and movement signed, mounted in platinum, diamonds approximately 4.50cts total, French assay marks, case engraved '4.4.1925 4.4.1965', case no. 161176, length 16.6cmProvenance: the current owner is the great granddaughter of renowned French actor and singer, Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin (1903-1971). This watch was a present from the actor to his wife, Henriette Manse (1925-1971) for their 40th wedding anniversary.To the Frenchman, the name Fernandel is synonymous with the legend of 20th century comedic film. Having gained popularity singing and performing in local operettas and music-halls, Fernand Constantin (1903 – 1971) built up a reputation for his wide array of talents on stage and his ability to send his audience into hysterics with his comedic acting and singing. Fernandel’s stage-name was amusingly coined by his sister-in-law, who nicknamed him Fernand d'elle (“Fernand of her”), as a fond admission of his undying devotion to his wife, Henriette Manse, whom he married in 1925. Henriette Manse was the sister of his best friend and frequent cinematic collaborator Jean Manse. A fervent family-man, Fernandel and Henriette raised two daughters and a son, Franck, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor and director.Fernandel’s career on the big screen took off in the early 1930s, following on from his appearance in a range of successful comedic films, from Fun in the Barracks (1932) to Angèle (1934). Over the next four decades, the presence of Fernandel was ubiquitous in any noteworthy French comedy, marking him out as the nation’s top comic actor. The magnitude of his popularity in France is encapsulated in his having received the prestigious Legion of Honour medal as a mark of gratitude from the French government for his work as a marchand de bonheur, or ‘merchant of happiness’. Fernandel skilfully transitioned his career to encompass the Hollywood market, and he appeared in a number of Italian and American films in his later years.The importance of family remained steadfast to Fernandel throughout the arc of his career. Symbolic of his love for his wife, this watch was given by Fernandel to Henriette in celebration of their fortieth wedding anniversary. The piece has remained in the family ever since and is a true testament to the family life which remained such a force behind the actor’s career. Fernandel passed away in February 1971, at the age of 67, and is buried in the Cimetière de Passy, in Paris. Condition Report: Diamonds: approx. 4.50 carats in total, estimated colour F/G, estimated clarity VSIn running condition at the time of inspectionInscriptions on the back of the case: '4.4.1925 4.4.1965' Dial: cleanGlass: in good condition - a superficial scratch only visible with 10x magnification at 2 o'clockTwo dog's head located on the tongue of clasp: French platinumTwo dog'shead located on the case (back and side)An unidentified maker's mark in a horizontal lozenge located on the back of the caseOverall in good condition, total gross weight approx. 29.5g
