A major private collection of English pocketwatches is to auction at Sotheby's London on December 15. It is the first of four sales of the esteemed collection over the next 12 months.
Among the highlights is a silver watch by the renowned 17th century maker David Ramsey that carries an estimate of £150,000-200,000 ($226,635-377,725).
 David Ramsay was appointed master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1632 |
It displays a miniature portrait of James I and was most likely produced on the king's orders.
Ramsay was the king's chief clockmaker during the early 1600s and examples of his remarkable watches can be seen in museums around the world.
Other pieces include a late 18th century chronometer by John Arnold.
Arnold designed some of the earliest marine chronometers, revolutionising the shipping industry, and is credited with developing a number of key innovations in the field of watchmaking.
Tim Bourne, Sotheby's worldwide head of watches, explains: "English horology is set apart by its brilliant makers and their individual stories - whether it be John Harrison's unwavering resolve to determine longitude at sea, or George Daniels' struggle to revolutionise the future of watchmaking.
"This landmark collection captures that spirit and encourages us to look at pocket watches in a new and exciting way. Timepieces like these are not only exceptional watches, they are pieces of history."
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