The V&A’s latest fashion exhibit showcases the iconic, world-renowned jewelry brand Cartier, and among its dazzling display of diamonds is a timepiece steeped in history: the Cartier watch once owned by Jackie Kennedy.
According to Sunita Kumar Nair, author of “CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion,” this display is particularly meaningful: “This is an incredible moment, for the general public to see a historical timepiece from the Kennedy legacy, particularly Jackie’s,” Kumar Nair said. “It wasn’t included for public eyes until now, which is an excellent example of how she still remains an important part of our cultural legacy and how there are still parts of her life yet to be unravelled.”
The 18-karat gold watch has the original band worn by the former first lady.
Courtesy Christie’s
This storied accessory has journeyed through the ages. Its significance dates back to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy launched a fitness initiative, challenging the population to walk 50 miles, hoping to inspire Americans to become more active.
Jackie’s brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill, who was married to her sister, took part in the trek. Jackie intermittently joined the walk, offering support and encouragement along the way. In commemoration of the experience, Stas gave her the Cartier watch.
Inscription from Stas Radziwill to sister-in-law Jackie Kennedy in 1963.
Courtesy Christie’s
The memory of that day was preserved with a heartfelt inscription engraved on the back: “Stas to Jackie / 23 Feb. 63 / 2:05 AM to 9:35 PM,” in script.
In a tragic turn of events, six months after this, President Kennedy was assassinated, leaving Jackie a widow.
As reported by Nair, the next time the widow was seen in public, she was with her daughter Caroline skiing in Sun Valley, a glimpse of the watch face captured.
Jackie Kennedy in Sun Valley with her daughter Caroline Bessette Kennedy.
“She served the American people as first lady, and she respected the boundaries and messages that certain pieces of fashion and jewelry meant to the general public and her husband’s presidency,” Kumar Nair explained, “it felt like the watch was a signifier of her new life, a private citizen free to wear what she wanted, and a flag of her social status and life as a widow.”
After that, the ex-first lady was rarely seen without it and it became a staple for her, making it a well-loved accessory.
After her death in 1994, Sotheby’s held a sale of her belongings, which did not include her watch. It wasn’t until 2017 that Christie’s announced a sale of the watch. An unidentified bidder won the accessory for $379,500, which was later revealed to be Kim Kardashian.
The story now continues as the watch takes its new home at the V&A.
“Jackie was so private, and we are still left with traces and clues of her life. There is something to be said about keeping parts of your life private, particularly when you are serving a public life,” Kumar Nair noted.