Watches & Watch accessories

For many years, to be a watch collector was to collect pocket watches from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Today it is more likely to signal an interest in 20th and 21st century wristwatches by well-known brands or specialist makers. Search this category for everything from the finest Swiss gold and enamel chronometers to the battle-worn Rolex of an RAF pilot.


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'Spaceview' was among the first commercially successful electronic watches

11 March 2024

Introduced in 1960, the Bulova Accutron 214 was one of the electronic trailblazers.

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Omega watches by Andrew Grima are bang on time

04 March 2024

At the peak of his fame, the Anglo-Italian jewellery designer Andrew Grima was invited by Omega to create what would become the About Time collection.

The Selby Lowndes Tompion

Digital museum to fuel interest in clocks and watches

19 February 2024

A digital museum showcasing items from the celebrated clock collection of John C Taylor launches next month.

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Titanic memorabilia fascination surfaces once more at auction

22 January 2024

A tartan deck blanket, a pocket watch and a first-class dinner menu were all top-sellers in the latest auction of Titanic, White Star and Transport Memorabilia at Henry Aldridge & Son (plus 26.4% buyer’s premium).

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Pocket chronometer was Breguet built, Humboldt owned

18 December 2023

The combination of a pre-eminent maker and a perfect provenance made a late 18th century pocket chronometer one of the most sought-after pieces at Dr Crott (25% buyer’s premium) in Mannheim on November 18.

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5 Questions: Burlington Arcade watch dealer Daniel Somlo

18 December 2023

Daniel Somlo is a watch dealer at Somlo London in Burlington Arcade and a qualified Omega watchmaker.

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Bugatti’s Breguet clock races away to take £170,000

04 December 2023

An exceptional silver Breguet hump-backed carriage clock commissioned by car maker Ettore Bugatti topped Bonhams’ latest Fine Clock Sale.

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Rolex for the Japanese market comes to London auction

20 November 2023

This rare Rolex reference 6238 was one made for the Japanese market in 1965.

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Antique and vintage jewels and watches on a budget

20 November 2023

A selection of antique and vintage jewels and watches on a £500 budget that are perfect for gift giving this season

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Carry ‘the brains of a genius’

09 October 2023

The British scientific author David Salomons (1851-1925) – one-time owner of the world’s largest private collection of Breguet watches and clocks – said “to carry a fine Breguet watch is to feel that you have the brains of a genius in your pocket”.

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Patek Philippe Riccio watch provides a rich picking

25 September 2023

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

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Telling time on the front line

04 September 2023

‘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.

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Time to consider pocket watches as a collecting option

19 June 2023

Recent auction results in Germany and Switzerland give a snapshot of the market beyond wristwatches

Roger Smith pocket watch

News in brief including an auction record for any British timepiece

19 June 2023

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including the auction of a Roger Smith pocket watch.

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Pocket watches that pack a punch

05 June 2023

Portable timekeepers full of collectable appeal need not be just those worn on the wrist

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Rolex taken from £200 original purchase to £45,500 at auction

05 June 2023

This Rolex Cosmograph Dayton is proof that some branded wristwatches have become an exceptional investment

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Well done, driver Doug - here's a 1970 Heuer Autavia Chronograph

05 June 2023

This 1970 Heuer Autavia Chronograph was awarded to rally driver Doug Harris for finishing the 16,000-mile London to Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970.

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Rolex bought for £200 by vendor is among six lots to watch

22 May 2023

With estimates from £200, here are six previews of items coming up at auction this week.

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Bid for the feeling of Bliss at auction

15 May 2023

Converse Auctions in Pennsylvania will be offering the clock collection of Willis R Michael (1894-1969) in its online auction on May 19.

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Pocket watch expert’s exceptional collection catches the eye at Bonhams

15 May 2023

Some exceptional pocket watches were offered for sale at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on May 11.

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