Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant
Lot 189

Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant

Signed Vacheron Constantin, Ref. 6486, Movement No. 605'811, Case No. 441'930, Manufactured in 1969

Closed21 June 2017

Price Realised

USD 3,250

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Vacheron Constantin. An 18k Gold Wristwatch, Belonging to Dr. C. N. Barnard after completing the First Human Heart Transplant
Signed Vacheron Constantin, Ref. 6486, Movement No. 605'811, Case No. 441'930, Manufactured in 1969
Movement: Manual, 18 jewels
Dial: Silvered, baton numerals, subsidiary seconds
Case: 18k gold, stepped downturned lugs, engraved case back reading; AL GRANDE AFFELLUOSO, CH. N. BARNARD, L. D. LARIA, 1969, 34mm diam.
Buckle: Associated 18k gold buckle
Accompanied By: A book entitled "Christian Barnard, One Life," by Dr. Christian Barnard & Curtis Bill Pepper, 1969

From the Descendant of the Original Owner

Specialist note

Dr. Christiaan Neethling Barnard (8 November, 1922 – 2 September, 2001)

Dr. Ch. N. Barnard was a South African cardiac surgeon who matriculated from the Beaufort West High School in 1940 and studied medicine at the University of Cape Town Medical School, where he obtained his MB ChB in 1945. His father was a minister and missionary and his mother was of the knowledge that her son and his siblings could achieve anything they set their minds to.

On December 3, 1967, Dr. Barnard performed the world's first human to human heart transplant on his patient, Mr. Louis Washkansky, in Cape Town, South Africa, the operation lasted approximately 6 hours. Washkansky survived the operation and lived for 18 days. Barnard was celebrated around the world for his accomplishment and gifts such as the present watch were offered to him in tremendous gratitude for his successful medical achievement. The watch is engraved on the back with his name, the date as well the person who gave it to him and a message in Italian congratulating him on his accomplishment.