This is President Jimmy Carter's own 1976 presidential campaign watch, acquired from the estate of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Featuring a smiling portrait of the future president and the slogan "The Plainsman, Of, By, And For The People," it is a remarkable personal memento of the campaign that took Carter from relative national obscurity to the White House. Campaign memorabilia from his historic election survives in many forms, but this particular watch has something far more meaningful than a connection to the campaign: it belonged to the man at the center of it.

The watch also captures much of what made Carter's candidacy so distinctive. A former Georgia governor and peanut farmer from the tiny town of Plains, Carter embraced his small-town roots at a time when Americans were deeply disillusioned with Washington in the aftermath of Watergate. Rather than distance himself from his humble beginnings, he made them part of his appeal. Even the watch's playful nickname, "The Plainsman," celebrates that identity, while its red, white, and blue graphics and exuberant portrait reflect the optimism and homespun character of his unlikely rise to the presidency.

There is something especially appealing about the idea of Carter having his own example of this watch. His 1976 campaign was famously unconventional, beginning with a candidate so little known nationally that his early declaration of presidential ambitions was met with considerable skepticism. He traveled tirelessly, introducing himself to voters, shaking hands, and building a grassroots following. His broad smile became one of the most recognizable images of the election, and it is that same smile, rendered in wonderfully period 1970s artwork, that appears on the dial. The watch is almost a miniature campaign poster, complete with patriotic stars, a flowing ribbon, and a slogan that neatly expresses the populist message he carried across the country.

The inscription "Of, By, And For The People" also recalls Abraham Lincoln's famous words at Gettysburg, an appropriate sentiment for a candidate who promised a more open, accountable government. Carter's victory over incumbent President Gerald Ford was an extraordinary political achievement, particularly in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the resignation of Richard Nixon. What began in Plains, Georgia, ultimately led to Carter's inauguration as the 39th president of the United States on January 20, 1977.

The watch's significance extends beyond that election. Carter would go on to broker the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, establish full diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and make human rights a defining concern of American foreign policy. His remarkable post-presidential life became equally important to his legacy. Through the Carter Center, founded with Rosalynn Carter, he devoted decades to promoting democracy, resolving conflicts, fighting disease, and improving human welfare around the world. His humanitarian accomplishments earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He also became closely associated with Habitat for Humanity, personally helping build homes well into his later years. Carter lived to be 100, becoming the longest-lived president in American history.

As a timepiece, this is a modest but charming Swiss-made watch, with a gold-tone case, simple black hands, and a colorful commemorative dial. Its appeal is not based on a prestigious watchmaker or an elaborate movement. The dial is the attraction, and its graphics have survived in pleasing condition. The white background remains attractive, the red ribbon and blue stars retain their color, and Carter's smiling likeness remains clear and expressive. The gold-tone case shows some light evidence of age and handling, appropriate for a vintage piece of this type. It is fitted with its original dark brown crocodile-pattern leather strap.

For a collector of presidential memorabilia, American political history, or objects associated with Jimmy Carter, this is a very special opportunity. There is a special satisfaction in owning an object that celebrates one of the defining moments of a historic life and can be traced directly back to the person who lived it.

It is in all-original condition.

We have not cleaned or polished the watch or done anything to the outside of it - we have left it just as we acquired it which includes some dirt and signs of wear.

On the inside, one of our Master Watchmakers disassembled it down to its last screw making it ready for immediate enjoyment and for use for many years to come.

It is now running remarkably strong and true, keeping very accurate time for a that was designed to not be a luxury.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance. Also accompanying it is a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance from a well-known auction house.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center.

Connoisseur of Time's Renowned Celebrity Collection:

Mr. Carter's own personal example of his campaign watch is part of our Celebrity Collection of watches that has been featured in GQ, Revolution Watch, Europa Star, JCK, Hampton's Magazine, Gotham Magazine, Vegas Magazine, Silicon Valley magazine and many others. eBay recently partnered with us for an exclusive, special sale for seven of the watches.

The collection has been composed of 141 watches and clocks owned or worn by 70 iconic celebrities and public figures. It may be the largest current collection of celebrity-owned watches in the world. It is constantly changing and is currently headlined by timepieces owned by some of the most legendary Hollywood actors and actresses, musicians, comedians, and entertainers:

The King, Elvis Presley. (Just sold)

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. (Just sold)

The King of Comedy, Jerry Lewis.

The Artist Formerly Known as Prince. (Just sold)

President Jimmy Carter.

Hollywood icons Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Steve Martin, Red Skelton, Steve McQueen, Martin Sheen, Cicely Tyson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Burt Reynolds, Laurence Olivier, James Arness, Betty White, Olivia Newton-John, Bob Hope, Greta Garbo, Raquel Welch, Mickey Rooney, Jane Fonda, Joan and Melissa Rivers, and Katey Sagal.

Legendary musicians Johnny Cash, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Janet Jackson, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Elton John, Kenny Rogers, Harry Belafonte, ZZ Top's Dusty Hill, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora, Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie, Don Mclean, Mountain's Leslie West, and Hank Williams, Jr.

Sports great and soccer legend Pelé, heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, Yankee Hall of Fame great Lefty Gomez, NBA Champion Stephen Jackson, World Cup winning captain and soccer defensive legend Daniel Passarella, and Green Bay Packer Mike Bucchianeri along with the game ball, signed photo and watch from the college football "all star" Blue Gray Game in 1940.

Further filling the current collection are watches or clocks from King Edward VIII and the Duchess of Windsor, beloved Hollywood host Ed Sullivan, renowned illusionists Siegfried & Roy, Academy award-winning actresses Loretta Young and Doris Day, Whoopie Goldberg, Emmy award-winning actress Valerie Harper, Golden Globe winning actor Richard Chamberlain, Emmy award-winning journalist Larry King, Emmy award-winning actor and producer Jerry Weintraub, Comedian Louie Anderson, Phyllis McGuire of the chart-topping McGuire sisters, Ian McDonald multi-instrumentalist English rocker for King Crimson and Foreigner, Elvira Mistress of the Dark (Cassandra Peterson), fashion designer to the stars Nolan Miller, the watch worn by Sean Penn in Shanghai Surprise then owned by Beatle George Harrison, and a watch worn by multiple characters in the television series "For All Mankind."

It also includes rare watches given by heads of state: A prototype 18K gold Buren Microrotor gifted by His Royal Majesty Ibn Saud, former King of Saudi Arabia; a Felsa given by former Libyan Colonel and Head of State Muammar Al Qathafi; a Longines given by Highness Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa former Prime Minister of the State of Bahrain; a Baume & Mercier gifted by the King of Jordan. All three watches are new-old-stock in presentation shadow box frames with photos.

Recently sold was a watch given a handful of years after the Civil War concluded by the Vice President Elect to honor an Army commander who went on to receive the Medal of Honor.

This is a significant, exciting, and constantly changing new collection you won't want to miss! Stay tuned over the coming weeks for photos of other special pieces from the collection!

To view the first few already up for sale follow this link: https://shop.connoisseuroftime.com/collections/our-celebrity-owned-historical-event-watches?page=1&sort_by=created-descending

Brand: Insta Sales, NYC
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Model: Jimmy Carter "The Plainsman" 1976 presidential campaign commemorative wristwatch.
Designed for: Men
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Case material: Gold-plated or gold tone with stainless steel back
Case markings (outside): "ELECTRONICALLY TIMED," "DIAMOND TOOLED," and "SWISS MADE"
Case condition: We have not cleaned or polished the watch or done anything to the outside of it - we have left it just as we aquired it which includes some dirt and signs of wear.
Dimensions: just over 34mm in diameter (without the crown) by approx. 41.5mm long lug tip to tip
Dial: Original white 1976 Jimmy Carter "The Plainsman" campaign dial with Carter's illustrated portrait, red ribbon, blue stars, black Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, and "Of, By, And For The People" slogan. Colors and artwork remain well preserved., original and untouched, mint condition
Movement type: Swiss-made handwound mechanical movement
Band: Dark brown crocodile-pattern leather strap, appears original
Crystal: Acrylic, original, excellent condition
Serviced:  On the inside, one of our Master Watchmakers disassembled it down to its last screw making it ready for immediate enjoyment and for use for many years to come.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is now running remarkably strong and true, keeping very accurate time for a that was designed to not be a luxury.
Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership, was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center, and has done authorized work for the Cartier Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Connoisseur of Time timing certificate; Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance from a well-known auction house
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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