Clocks, Watches & Jewellery

Jewellery specialist Geoffrey Munn worked at London antiques dealer Wartski between 1972 and 2018, serving as managing director from 1990.

Estimated at $2000-3000, this Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref 1491 sold for $37,500 (£31,250) at Roland Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) .

This intricate gold filigree and gemset sceptre was presented to Charlotte, Empress of Mexico, by the Mexican city of San Juan del Rio.

Collectors with refined taste are happy to take their time even when it comes to the most important makers.

Both Christie’s and Bonhams brought impressive Chinese clocks to market in July.

Dent and Co is one of the bestknown names in English horology with a long history of precision clock and watch making.

Jewellery from the estate of Ella Naper (1886-1972) was offered at Lay’s (21% buyer’s premium) in Lanner, Cornwall on August 10-11.

The September 12 fine jewellery and watches sale at Adam’s in Dublin is led by a diamond tiara bracelet of approximately 38ct set in platinum.

The north European Mannerist bronze sold for £550,000 against a guide of £250-350 was not the only spectacular sleeper in the August 8 sale at Reeman Dansie (22.5% buyer’s premium).

The September 12 Important Jewellery auction at Hindman in Chicago includes this Art Deco diamond, jade, cabochon emerald and enamel brooch mounted in platinum.

The September 21 sale at Dawsons in Maidenhead includes this Cartier natural sapphire and diamond brooch designed as a single bloom of cherry blossom.

Metal detectorists continue to be the best supply of ancient and medieval jewels onto the market.

The Cartier Love Bracelet – the plain gold band with screwheads to lock it around the wearer’s wrist – has become one of the most recognised pieces of modern jewellery.

A favourite ring of Sammy Davis Jr sold at Fellows (25% buyer’s premium) in Birmingham on August 24.

A chalcedony, sapphire and diamond flower brooch by Suzanne Belperron (1900-83) was included in Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver sale on July 15.

‘Wristlets’ bridged the gap as pocket watches transitioned into the modern wristwatch during the Great War but had a significant design flaw in the hinged cover still in place.

Our selection of seven lots at upcoming auctions