Live Auction 14846Rare Watches and American Icons
Certina. A Fine and Large Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date, Center Seconds and Bracelet, Worn by Scientist John VanDerwalker
Lot 235

Certina. A Fine and Large Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date, Center Seconds and Bracelet, Worn by Scientist John VanDerwalker

Signed Certina, DS-2, SuperPH1000m, Case No. 5801302, Circa 1970

Closed21 June 2017

Price Realised

USD 8,125

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Certina. A Fine and Large Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date, Center Seconds and Bracelet, Worn by Scientist John VanDerwalker
Signed Certina, DS-2, SuperPH1000m, Case No. 5801302, Circa 1970
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 25-651, 27 jewels
Dial: Black, luminous baton numerals with orange accents, luminous hands, date, center seconds
Case: Stainless steel tonneau-shaped, black bezel, screw back, 44.5mm width, 48mm overall length
Strap/Buckle: Associated stainless steel and gold bracelet and deployant clasp, overall approximate length 8 inches
Accompanied By: A gold medal engraved; DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO JOHN G. VANDERWALKER, MAY 14, 1969, a triangular gold pin engraved; MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE, three Tektite 2 patches, 8 archive images and Tektite 1 "Man-in-the-sea" literature

Specialist note

This lot includes John Van Derwalker’s Department of the Interior’s Distinguished Service Award medal and the Navy’s merit pin that were given to him after the TEKTITE 1 60 day mission. The medal was presented to VanDerwalker by US Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1969. During TEKTITE II, VanDerwalker was the scientific coordinator.

This Certina watch was possibly specially made for the Tektite program and was the timepiece of choice for VanDerwalker during his missions. It’s functionality and bold display, perhaps a prototype configuration, made this Certina the ultimate tool watch for his dives.