10th Sep, 2026 10:30
Autumn Specialist Sale
Bueche Girod - Lady's 18ct gold bracelet watch (gifted by Cary Grant)
Bueche Girod - Lady's 18ct gold bracelet watch (gifted by Cary Grant)
Date: Circa 1970s
Movement: 17 jewel unadjusted manual wind, lapis lazuli crown
Dial: Gilt textured dial with Roman numerals
Case: 18ct gold, snap-on case back numbered ‘YG-7743-1’, ‘82362’
Strap/Bracelet: 18ct gold textured integral bracelet
Buckle/Clasp: Clasp
Signed: Dial, movement, case back, clasp
Size: 21mm x 30mm diameter (ex.crown)
Weight: 55.4g gross approx. (ex.movement)
Consigned by a family descendant.
This watch was gifted by Cary Grant to the vendor’s great-aunt, Maggie, as a token of appreciation for the care and support she provided to his mother, Elsie Leach (née Kingdon), during her later years.
Born Archibald Alec Leach in Bristol in 1904, Cary Grant rose from modest beginnings to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men. Renowned for his charm, wit, and screen presence, he starred in numerous classic films including North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief, His Girl Friday, and An Affair to Remember. Despite his international fame, Grant maintained strong ties to his Bristol roots and family connections throughout his life.
The vendor’s great-uncle, Eric Leslie Leach (1921–1976), was Cary Grant’s half-brother, born from their father Elias James Leach’s relationship with Mabel Alice Bass. Owing to the sensitive and complex family circumstances, Grant often referred to Eric publicly as his “cousin,” and their true relationship remained largely private.
When Grant’s mother, Elsie, became unwell, Eric and Maggie regularly visited and cared for her, both at her home and later in the nursing home where she spent her final years. In gratitude for their kindness and support, Cary Grant presented this watch to Maggie.
The digitally scanned photographs accompanying the lot description include one of Cary Grant with Maggie and Eric outside a house in Horfield, Bristol, a property purchased by Grant for them, and one of Grant on Sion Hill with the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background. The original photographs are date-stamped 1973, the year of Elsie Leach’s passing.
In later years, when Maggie became too ill to live independently, Grant paid for her to go into a nursing home in Box, outside Bath.
Recalling the relationship between Cary and Eric, the vendor remarked, “Eric and Cary certainly resembled one another, although Eric was much shorter and less glamorous! Even so, there remains a great deal of mystery surrounding their relationship. All I know is that they shared an exceptionally close bond.”
All watches offered for sale at Clevedon Salerooms are sold as seen and have been authenticated by our watch specialists. Movements and mechanical functions are not guaranteed or tested. Images accompanying the lot description make up part of the condition report. Please satisfy yourself with these and if you require further information, please email info@clevedonsalerooms.com
Sold for £6,800
Bueche Girod - Lady's 18ct gold bracelet watch (gifted by Cary Grant)
Date: Circa 1970s
Movement: 17 jewel unadjusted manual wind, lapis lazuli crown
Dial: Gilt textured dial with Roman numerals
Case: 18ct gold, snap-on case back numbered ‘YG-7743-1’, ‘82362’
Strap/Bracelet: 18ct gold textured integral bracelet
Buckle/Clasp: Clasp
Signed: Dial, movement, case back, clasp
Size: 21mm x 30mm diameter (ex.crown)
Weight: 55.4g gross approx. (ex.movement)
Consigned by a family descendant.
This watch was gifted by Cary Grant to the vendor’s great-aunt, Maggie, as a token of appreciation for the care and support she provided to his mother, Elsie Leach (née Kingdon), during her later years.
Born Archibald Alec Leach in Bristol in 1904, Cary Grant rose from modest beginnings to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men. Renowned for his charm, wit, and screen presence, he starred in numerous classic films including North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief, His Girl Friday, and An Affair to Remember. Despite his international fame, Grant maintained strong ties to his Bristol roots and family connections throughout his life.
The vendor’s great-uncle, Eric Leslie Leach (1921–1976), was Cary Grant’s half-brother, born from their father Elias James Leach’s relationship with Mabel Alice Bass. Owing to the sensitive and complex family circumstances, Grant often referred to Eric publicly as his “cousin,” and their true relationship remained largely private.
When Grant’s mother, Elsie, became unwell, Eric and Maggie regularly visited and cared for her, both at her home and later in the nursing home where she spent her final years. In gratitude for their kindness and support, Cary Grant presented this watch to Maggie.
The digitally scanned photographs accompanying the lot description include one of Cary Grant with Maggie and Eric outside a house in Horfield, Bristol, a property purchased by Grant for them, and one of Grant on Sion Hill with the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background. The original photographs are date-stamped 1973, the year of Elsie Leach’s passing.
In later years, when Maggie became too ill to live independently, Grant paid for her to go into a nursing home in Box, outside Bath.
Recalling the relationship between Cary and Eric, the vendor remarked, “Eric and Cary certainly resembled one another, although Eric was much shorter and less glamorous! Even so, there remains a great deal of mystery surrounding their relationship. All I know is that they shared an exceptionally close bond.”
All watches offered for sale at Clevedon Salerooms are sold as seen and have been authenticated by our watch specialists. Movements and mechanical functions are not guaranteed or tested. Images accompanying the lot description make up part of the condition report. Please satisfy yourself with these and if you require further information, please email info@clevedonsalerooms.com
Auction: Autumn Specialist Sale, 10th Sep, 2026
Our Autumn Specialist Sale of Fine Furniture, Modern Design, Paintings, Prints, Silver, Jewellery, Watches, Ceramics, Glassware & other Collectors items.
Highlights included a Bueche Girod Lady's 18ct gold bracelet watch (gifted by Cary Grant), a Peter Lord (b. 1953) 'Morph' modelling clay figure, an impressive set of twenty one early 20th century George II Irish style inlaid mahogany chairs, formerly visitor seating at Tyntesfield, two Alessandro Pianon (1931-84) for Vistosi, ‘Pulcino’ glass birds, and a single owner collection of vintage comics.
Viewing
Wednesday 9th September - 10am till 5pm
