Watches & Watch accessories

When Alan Wardle’s niece searched online for family history she uncovered his father’s long-lost First World War presentation pocket watch coming up at auction.

The London watchmaker John Ilbery, active from 1780-1839, is credited with the invention of the ‘montre chinoise’, highly ornate goldenamel watches made for the Chinese market.

There was a time when vintage Omega represented a cost-effective alternative to vintage Rolex. Today, the rule does not always apply.

Among the many versions of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner, the reference 5508 with its James Bond association is perhaps the best known.

The Fine Jewellery and Watches auction at Sworders of Stansted Mountfitchet on November 20 will include this Cartier Art Deco rose-cut diamond, black and white enamel and seed pearl-set pendant watch, c.1915.

Our weekly selection from salerooms and dealerships.

Our weekly selection from salerooms and dealerships.

Forthcoming jewellery auction highlights at home and abroad – from the first ‘smart’ watch to the first female mayor in the British Empire.

Paul Pfanner runs Timewise Vintage Watches and next exhibits at the LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair (September 14-19).

Our weekly selection from salerooms and dealerships.

As the market develops, some of the ‘secondary’ niche Swiss brands have entered the mainstream collecting arena. The Bonhams (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Watches and Wristwatches sale on June 20 offered a range of 46 Heuers from a single-owner private collection.

A selection of wristwatch previews.

A selection of wristwatch previews.

A selection of wristwatch previews.

Wristwatch expert Adrian Hailwood has joined Dreweatts as a senior specialist.

A selection of wristwatch previews.