Auctions

Oskar Schindler’s Longines Wristwatch Offered at Auction

AuctionsMar 06, 2019

Oskar Schindler’s Longines Wristwatch Offered at Auction

The subject of the book “Schindler’s Ark” and film “Schindler’s List,” he is credited with saving the lives of more than a thousand Jewish people during World War II.

20190305_Schindler-header.jpg
This Longines watch originally belonging to Oskar Schindler, the European industrialist and Nazi party member who saved over 1,000 Jews during World War II, is up for auction along with other personal effects.

Boston—RR Auction is currently offering a timepiece with fantastic historical provenance at auction.

The Boston auction house’s March sale features a single lot of personal possessions once belonging to Oskar Schindler (1908-1974), the industrialist born in Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic) who is credited with saving the lives of nearly 1,200 Jewish people during World War II.

A European collector and longtime RR Auction client consigned the lot, the auction house said, and it has a solid chain of custody that can be traced back to the estate of Oskar’s wife, Emilie, who outlived her husband by nearly 30 years.

Schindler was a member of the Nazi party, and through wartime connections, obtained an enamelware and munitions factory in Poland that had been seized from its original Jewish owner.

Despite his Nazi party standing, Schindler became a secret advocate for the local Jews who were being forced into ghettos and concentration camps by employing them at this factory and repeatedly bribing Nazi officials to keep them from being deported.


According to RR Auction, Oskar Schindler and his wife Emilie used this compass as they fled to U.S.-occupied territory in Europe during World War II.

Schindler’s efforts were made known first by the 1982 Booker Prize-winning historical fiction novel “Schindler’s Ark,” and later, the Steven Spielberg-directed “Schindler’s List.”

Among the items selling in the Schindler lot is a stainless steel Longines watch with a white face and gold-tone hands and time markers with a black leather strap. The timepiece features a manual-wind mechanical movement (caliber 12.68Z).

Longines told National Jeweler that the watch was invoiced in December 1956 to Pérusset, which was the company’s agent in Argentina at that time. (Schindler and his wife lived in Argentina for a period following the war.)

Also featured in the lot is a compass by Bezard/Gotthilf Lufft with a built-in folding metal cover. RR Auction said that it is purported to have been used by Schindler and his wife Emilie in 1945 when they fled Russian troops for U.S.-occupied territory.


Schindler’s Sudetenland Medal

Another interesting piece is a Sudetenland Medal from 1938, commemorating Austria joining the Nazi Third Reich. It was given to German officials, including members of the Wehrmacht and SS who marched into Sudetenland, an area that had once belonged to Germany but been given to Czechoslovakia after World War I.

The medal was also given to German military

who occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. Schindler received the medal because he had participated in the annexation of Sudetenland as a spy for the German government.

The 32 mm medal depicts a man standing on a German podium, as another man, breaking free from shackles, joins him. The medal is suspended from a black and red ribbon.


Schindler’s fountain pens

Rounding out the lot are two fountain pens that belonged to Schindler and a circa 1957 wooden business card with Schindler’s German address.

Schindler and his wife fled to Argentina after World War II, though Schindler eventually returned to Europe in 1957, living between Germany and Israel—largely with the support of the people whom he had helped during the war—until his death in 1974. Emilie remained in Argentina.


A business card denoting Schindler’s German address when he returned to Europe from Argentinian exile in 1957.

The sale estimate for the items was listed at $25,000, though, as of press time, bids had reached over $30,000.

The sale, which is being held online, concludes today.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy