Sotheby's Exhibits "The Collection of Marsha & Robin Williams"

Robin Williams Dead Poets Society Watch by Hamilton Watch Co. Photo Courtesy Sotheby's.   Robin Williams truly personified entertainment. In the wake of his tragic suicide, he left a hole in the movie industry, as well as in the hearts of his fans. Of course, the hole he left in his family is the most keenly felt by all. As a tribute to his life, his second wife, Marsha Garces Williams, along with their children, partnered with Sotheby's to release a portion of their art and personal collections for exhibition and sale.  

The Collection of Marsha & Robin Williams

In the nearly 20 years they were married, Marsha and Robin Williams collected decorative art, fine art, and outsider art for their home. The majority of the pieces represented gifts they gave each other, "as different pieces would remind us of each other," Marsha told Sotheby's. {source} Marsha explained that they "chose things that made us laugh, think, or want to be its caretakers for a period of time so that we could see them regularly." The pieces that "elicited immediate responses from ourselves, each other, family and friends" became their most beloved. {source} Sotheby's calls it "an uncommon collection," populated with film, entertainment, and sports memorabilia; Contemporary and Outsider art; bicycles; furniture and decorative pieces; and our favorite, roughly 40 designer watches. "He was always the creature of habit, so he would wear a specific watch all the time for a while. And then he would fall in love with another one," Marsha told Sotheby's. {source}  

Robin Williams' Watches

Robin Williams owned a sizable collection of designer watches. Of course, he wore the biggest names in luxury jewelry - Cartier, Bulgari, and Dior. He also wore watches crafted by the most prestigious watchmakers in the world - Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Audemars Piguet. The entertainer clearly favored Graham, Swiss watchmakers since 1695. He also compiled a fair number of watches by IWC. Founded in 1868, by an American, the International Watch Company combines precision engineering with timeless design. Robin Williams had a keen eye for design, precision, and fine craftsmanship. This month, Sotheby's offers a rare opportunity for those traveling to New York.  

The Exhibition

On September 29, 2018, at the York Avenue Galleries in Manhattan, Sotheby's offers a singular view into the artistic taste of one of America's most beloved actors. In addition to the forty watches Robin Williams owned, the exhibition also features paintings, sculptures, bicycles, decorative arts, and movie memorabilia.  

The Dead Poets Watch

Indeed, visitors can view the watch featured above, which Robin Williams wore in his acclaimed role as Keating in Dead Poets Society. Crafted by Hamilton Watch Co., the watch features a silvered two-tone dial with applied gold-plated Arabic numerals. The case is plated with yellow gold, and the stainless steel back is engraved: "Robin Williams Dead Poets Society 1988." Catch a few glimpses of this movie watch, as well as one of the best scenes from the film, in this video clip. Then, head into Manhattan for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the collection of Marsha & Robin Williams on display at Sotheby's Art Gallery.   Details and information available on Sotheby's website.