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In our “Who wears what?” section. », section “moustachioed dictators and other tense figures of the 20th century”, today we attack an infamous character: Adolf Hitler. Let’s decipher a watch object supposedly linked to the Führer — because yes, even the worst historical figures could have taste (or not) in matters of watches. So, what was found on the wrist, or in the pockets, of the angry little mustachioed man? Nuanced response, between history, controversies and crazy auctions.
A controversial watch
In 2022, a watch claimed to have belonged to Adolf Hitler was sold at auction in the United States for the astronomical sum of $1.1 million. The object in question: a wristwatch in gold signed Andreas Huberrenowned German company, with a stamped movement LeCoultre Or Jaeger-LeCoultre depending on the version.
This timepiece was allegedly given to Hitler on the occasion of his 44th birthday, April 20, 1933. Engraved on the back: the initials “AH”, a Nazi eagle, a swastika and three key dates:
- 20.4.89 (date of birth)
- 30.1.33 (appointment as chancellor)
- 5.3.33 (NSDAP electoral victory)
But be careful: the attribution of this watch to Hitler is based on disputed elements. Historians and watchmaking experts alike are cautious about this highly publicized object.
A controversial object
Several specialists, particularly in collector circles or in watchmaking publications, are calling into question authenticity of the watch. The elements that pose a problem:
- The lack of direct evidence that Hitler owned or wore this watch.
- The engraving is too “loaded”, almost caricatured, with overloaded Nazi symbols.
- Similar items circulating in the fake “military souvenirs” market.
An article from the site The Truth About Watches even specifies: “Hitler was not known for wearing a watch on his wrist. He often relied on his aides-de-camp for time or used pocket watches. »
Pocket watch or bare wrist?
Many archive photos show Hitler without a visible watch. And when a watch object is present, it is often a pocket watches. This is not surprising: in the 1930s and 1940s, elite men of his age still frequently used pocket watches.
No reliable visual source confirms that Adolf Hitler was a fan of wrist watches, nor that he collected watches. It is therefore plausible that he only had one or two coins, mainly symbolic or ceremonial.
The watch sold: a marketing stunt?
The model sold in 2022 by Alexander Historical Auctions is part of a long tradition of historical objects sold with sometimes vague files. Although the house claims to have a document of provenance linked to a French soldier having recovered it in the Berghof in 1945, this source remains difficult to verify.
The watch came with a certificate from a watch expert, but many observers remain skeptical. An article from Smithsonian Magazine evokes a “very problematic piece” on both an ethical and historical level. Several Jewish institutions even called for the sale to be canceled.
What to remember
- Assigned watch : Andreas Huber (LeCoultre movement), gold model with Nazi engravings.
- Carried by Hitler? Nothing proves it, and several historians doubt it.
- Historical object? Perhaps, but disputed.
- Auction value: $1.1 million (2022).
- Controversial : great, particularly around the symbolic use of such an object.
You be the judge
Is Adolf Hitler’s watch an authentic artifact or a historical marketing item? The doubt remains, and perhaps it is for the best. In any case, this type of object reminds us that watchmaking, beyond mechanics, is also a mirror of times…sometimes dark.
FAQs
What watch did Adolf Hitler wear?
A gold Andreas Huber watch with LeCoultre movement is attributed to him, but without formal proof that he wore it.
Is this watch authentic?
Its authenticity is disputed. Experts debate the reliability of provenance documents and engraving.
How much was it sold for?
The watch was sold for $1.1 million at auction in the United States in 2022.
Are there other Hitler watches?
Nothing official. No watch collection or other model has been formally identified.
Why is the watch controversial?
Due to its supposed connection to Hitler and the Nazi symbols engraved on it, its sale attracted strong criticism.
