Sotheby’s London, December 2016: Today’s auction celebrated the genius of Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) - the father of English watch and clockmaking - bringing together an exceptional group of lots that trace the evolution of watchmaking from the early 17th to the early 20th centuries. The sale brought a combined total of £1,363,000 (est. £1.2-1.9 million), led by an auction record for a gold ‘Morgan caliper’ watch by Charles Frodsham at £296,750 (est. £150,000-250,000). An auction record was also set for William Anthony when a magnificent and very rare gold, enamel, split-pearl and diamond watch fetched £212,500 (est. £150,000-200,000). Three timepieces by Thomas Tompion himself, who was the greatest influencer of Britain’s horological supremacy, totalled a combined £241,250 (est. £235,000-376,000).

The sale was the third instalment of the landmark “Celebration of the English Watch” series, featuring the most important collection of English watches in private hands, thus providing a snapshot of British history. Part III continued the success of the first two parts, which set a series of records for a number of antique watches and watchmakers. The fourth and last part in the sale series will take place in July 2017 and be dedicated to the oeuvre of “George Daniels, 20th-Century Innovator”.