Clocks, Watches & Jewellery

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).

The UK government has issued a temporary export bar for a Fromanteel longcase clock dating to c.1660.

This classic example of the archaeological revivalist techniques that were so fashionable in jewellery making in the second half of the 19th century was one of the top-selling lots at Skinner (25/20/12% buyer’s premium).

Appeal of Weston Hall contents particularly enhanced by 20th century occupants

A lawyer who likes to keep it local also has an insatiable curiosity about art and antiques.

Police are appealing for information following a theft of more than 400 pieces of jewellery, coins and watches from Adam Partridge Auctioneers.

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.

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.

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

A late 18th century clock at auction in Germany has links to a French architect.

In a recent Financial Times article titled 'Dangerous baubles for boys', historian and style journalist Nick Foulkes commented that a friend had “described my hands as looking like a cabinet of curiosities trying to emulate a pair of knuckledusters”.

Many sales in late November and early December are assembled with presents in mind and silver and jewellery are much to the fore.

London’s historic diamond and jewellery quarter faces challenges but also opportunities

After two years of Covid-19 disruption The Winter Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia finally reopened its doors in west London.

The V&A loses out in £23,000 bidding battle for Prince Albert’s drawings of the diamond and sapphire coronet he designed for Queen Victoria.

Few lots in the Design since 1860 sale held by Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh were more admired than a series of Art Nouveau pencil and watercolour jewellery drawings by Frances Macdonald McNair (1873-1921).

Anglo-Chinese huanghuali bureau cabinet was spotted just down the road from saleroom

A clockmaking industry thrived in the Chew Valley of Somerset in the second half of the 17th century.