VULCAIN FROM CHARLIE DUNNE, ‘Cricket Jose Ferrer’ gold-plated wristwatch, ref. 305012

Donated by Charlie Dunne, this stunning Vulcain ‘Cricket’ reference 305012 is an early iteration of the waterproof cases, which would later transition into “S series” references.

The watch has brilliant provenance, formerly belonging to Jos Ferrer. In 1949, he would become the Academy Awards Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Joan of Arc. In 1951, Ferrer became the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic Academy Award Winner for his performance in the 1950 film Cyrano de Bergerac. During the same year at the 6th Annual Tony Awards, they won both Best Actor — Play for The Shrikeas well as Outstanding Director for The Shrike and The Fourposter.

Ferrer was the father of actor Miguel Ferrer, the brother of Rafael Ferrer, the grandfather of actress Tessa Ferrer, and the uncle of actor George Clooney. His contributions to American theater were recognized in 1981, when he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. In 1985, he received the National Medal of Arts from President Ronald Reagan, becoming the first actor so honored.