On December 16, 2024, Artcurial held its first auction devoted to the personal writings and memorabilia of General de Gaulle, from the estate of his son, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. Overseen by Stéphane Aubert, this sale totaled €5.6 million including fees, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Anne de Gaulle Foundation.

Through these intimate objects, the public was able to discover more personal facets of the founder of the Fifth Republic, a perspective often absent from official archives. Each lot thus bore witness to the general’s daily life and values, shedding new light on his legacy.

The emotionally charged event brought together more than 200 people in the auction room, 1,500 registered online, and approximately 300 spectators following the sale live on YouTube. The pre-exhibition at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault attracted nearly 5,000 visitors over ten days.

Throughout the eight-hour auction, the room vibrated to the rhythm of memories, highlighting the historical and emotional significance of the sale.

“Seeing these objects leave the private sphere and enter the collective memory is a rare and moving moment,” said auctioneer Stéphane Aubert.

Among the notable lots appraised by Geoffroy Ader was a LIP Calibre R 27 “Patent Pending” wristwatch worn by General de Gaulle, which sold for €537,920 including fees, the highest bid of the event and a world record for the brand. More than a simple accessory, this watch embodied the rigor and modernity of the general, passionate about technology and precision.

Another exceptional item was a gilt-metal electronic clock, the LIP Chronomètre Piezo-Électronique, which belonged to General de Gaulle. It was presented in its original case with a Bulletin de Marche Chronomètre de Marine (a certificate attesting to the accuracy of a clock according to marine standards) issued by the National Observatory of Besançon.

According to family tradition, this clock, placed on the small private desk at the Élysée Palace, was given to General de Gaulle by Fred Lip on November 22, 1968, his birthday. A handwritten label, affixed to the back by his son, Admiral de Gaulle, confirms its provenance.

For many participants, these objects were not just material souvenirs but also testified to a living part of our history. “Acquiring a watch or a clock belonging to the general is like touching on great history through the intimacy of a man,” commented expert Geoffroy Ader.