Wright Auction

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 José 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, he won both Best Actor — Play for The Shrike, as 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.

The Brian LaViolette Foundation was formed by the LaViolette family to honor the memory of their son, Brian, who passed away in a swimming accident in Green Bay, Wisconsin when he was just fifteen years old in 1992. Brian was not only an excellent student, athlete, and musician, but he loved watches, starting his own collection when he was four years of age.

Since 1992, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has presented 1,058 scholarships to deserving college-bound students in Northeastern Wisconsin, the United States, and other parts of the world. The Foundation continues Brian's legacy by helping high school seniors financially to achieve their educational dreams and, at the same time, providing them with encouragement and inspiration. 

Learn more about the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation