If you know someone who has a picture of Albert Einstein over their desk or his face on a wall clock, this might just make his or her day, month and year. And maybe that someone is you, so listen up. A historical timepiece has been given back to the world from Longines, a Swiss watchmaker. The gold watch worn by famous scientist, Albert Einstein, went up for auction by Antiqourum in 2008 and has been touring the world in search of its new owner, but at no small cost. With the asking price between $25,000 and $35,000, it’s a rather hefty investment, but who can resist having the timepiece of the man who said time is relative?

Albert Einstein received the 14 carat gold watch with a leather band by Rabbi Edgar Magnin in 1931; the watch has a mate that was given to Einstein’s wife. The two received the matching watches as a gift from the Rabbi while living in Germany. Shortly thereafter the couple made the permanent leap across the pond to the United States fearing capture from the Nazi regime. The gold watch is engraved with Professor Einstein’s name as well as the city and date of the gift. The message on the back reads “Professor Albert Einstein, Los Angeles, February 16, 1931”- Einstein was 51 years old at the time. The golden watch is a truly impressive piece of history and is the only way to actually own a piece of the German genius.

Einstein fans, watchmakers, and watch connoisseurs were among the thousands of other admirers who bid on the scientist’s golden treasure. However, they were all edged out when the watch finally sold to the highest bidder only a few weeks after its arrival at auction. The historical timepiece bid was an impressive win for Longines, the manufacturer of the watch and private seller, and set a record for the highest price ever given at auction. The watch sold for $596,000 in late 2008. The watch was previously obtained by Longines in 2005 from a private collector, but was ultimately destined to reach another owner.

With such a unique original owner and personally engraved message on the back, this watch is much more than a geek’s wet dream. It stands as an important piece of history, marking one of the world’s most gifted minds as well as the ironic fact that Einstein believed time was relative and made it an integral part of his research and ultimate success as a scientist.

Though this unique timepiece has a new owner, Einstein had another watch that was also manufactured by Longines. This pocket-watch is a bit newer, made around 1943. Though it doesn’t have an engraved message, it is still a possession of a famous historical figure. The gold watch can be enjoyed as the timepiece of a genius and seen in the History Museum in Switzerland. And as each second ticks by, all the while the life-changing theory of relativity remains true to this day.

Author Bio: Syd Martin writes about gold buying, precious metals, diamonds, and more. If you are looking to sell gold, she recommends visiting http://www.gold-cash.com, or if you are looking to pawn jewelry, she recommends The Gold Standard.

Category: Business
Keywords: gold, business, watch, science