Watches & Watch accessories

On May 6, 1954 - the day British middle-distance athlete Roger Bannister (1929-2018) ran the first ever sub-four-minute mile - there were five official timekeepers plus a sixth watch manned by race commentator Norris McWhirter (1925-2004).

If ever there were a price to demonstrate just how important condition has become in the top end of the collecting market then it is the record-breaking SFr2.55m (£2.065m) for a reference CK2915 Speedmaster at Phillips (26/21% buyer's premium) in Geneva on November 5.

The Rolex Deep Sea Special, with its remarkable bubble case capable of withstanding huge pressure, was created in the early 1950s to test just how deep a diving watch could go.

Enicar watches do not have the instant brand recognition of a Rolex or Omega but they do share many of the same parts.

The impact of the First World War on the wristwatch as an accessory deemed suitable for men is well known.

In contrast to the red-hot trade in vintage and modern wristwatches, the market for antique pocket watches appears very low key. However, as demand for the better-quality pieces remains robust, not all are destined for the scrapheap. Richard Fox reports

Tom B has been interested in antiques since youth when he accompanied his father around car boots and charity shops. He founded GungaDin Watches in 2015 focusing on vintage and pre-owned timepieces.

On October 22 Skinner in Massachusetts is holding a sale of watches and timepieces from the estate of David G Newsom.

A Richard Winterton (20% buyer’s premium) sale in Lichfield included this 1973 Rolex Explorer II which sparked international interest.

Watches with military associations carry a certain cachet with collectors.

Along with its Summer Fine Art sale, Tennants held a jewellery, watches and silver sale on July 17.

The sale in 1872 of a silver pocket watch manufactured by Patek Philippe in Geneva to the jeweller and retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in Rio de Janeiro marked the beginning of a highly successful and mutually profitable business partnership that lasted until 1927.

The stopwatch used by English referee Jack Taylor in the 1974 World Cup final sold for a within-estimate £3300 at Fellows (23/15% buyer’s premium) in Birmingham.

This Omega Seamaster 300, issued to members of the British Army in the 1960s, appeared at Fellows (23%/15% buyer’s premium) in Birmingham.

Tennants’ recent sale of Jewellery, Watches & Silver included, at a top-estimate £9000, a rare Omega aviator’s watch.

After a decade riding a market wave, ‘original owner’ Rolex tool watches are increasingly scarce at auction.

Scarce variations of the classic dress watch come to market as interest rises in vintage Cartier