President GERALD & BETTY FORD Personally Owned Watches! Ex. Doyle, Ford Estate

Title: Pair of Wristwatches from the Estate of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford – Including a Festive Christmas Watch

Description:
This unique pairing of wristwatches comes directly from the personal estate of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. The set includes:

1. Betty Ford’s Christmas-Themed Watch
   A delightful analog wristwatch featuring a festive Christmas motif, decorated with colorful illustrations of Santa Claus, a bell, holly, and a bow. The dial features the greeting “Merry Christmas” in whimsical red script, with hour markers replaced by letters A through L. The gold-tone case is complemented by a black faux-alligator leather strap. This playful, seasonal timepiece reflects Betty Ford’s warmth and love of family traditions, particularly during the holidays.

2. Gerald R. Ford’s Milan Quartz Wristwatch
   A classic Milan wristwatch with a gold-tone case, sunburst gold dial, and black Arabic numerals. The dial includes a date window at the 3 o’clock position and is marked “WATER RESISTANT 100 FT” above the 6 o’clock marker. The brown faux-reptile leather strap and straightforward design reflect President Ford’s characteristic modesty and practicality in his post-presidential years.

Historical Context:
President Gerald R. Ford (1913–2006), the 38th President of the United States, served from 1974 to 1977, leading the nation through a critical period of recovery after the Watergate scandal. Renowned for his integrity and steady leadership, Ford is remembered as a stabilizing force in American politics. First Lady Betty Ford (1918–2011) was a transformative public figure in her own right—an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and health who reshaped the expectations of the First Lady’s role and co-founded the Betty Ford Center for addiction treatment.

Authentication & Provenance:
This pair of wristwatches was offered in Doyle Auctions’ special sale titled "Property from the Collection of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford", a collection consigned by their son Jack Ford. Both items include their original Doyle auction tags, clearly marking their provenance as part of the personal belongings of the Ford family.

Closing Appeal:
Together, these two timepieces offer an intimate glimpse into the personal lives of a beloved American presidential couple. Whether displayed as part of a historical collection or treasured as a family heirloom, they serve as enduring symbols of Gerald and Betty Ford’s legacy of service, grace, and authenticity.