Out & About July 2017

timeless

Take a minute and let THOMAS PLANT advise you on what to watch out for at auction when you are looking for a new, but old, timepiece

I n the auction world, the wristwatch market is diversifying. Of course, the big and often expensive makes such as Rolex, Cartier and Patek Phillippe are still sought after by collectors, but, in addition, other brands are clocking up interest in the saleroom. There is less competition for the more modern, but still iconic makes such as Casio, Seiko, Omega, Junghans, Skagen or Bulova, which can be bought from £100 at auction, making them accessible to those who are buying the watches to wear as well as those who are buying for investment. Wristwatches evolved from spring-powered clocks in the 17th century. They developed from pocket watches and were first worn on the wrist during the First World War, making it much easier for the soldiers to see the time at a glance. Watch design has certainly come a long way since those days. With the advent of smartphones, a watch is no longer a necessity, rather an accessory, or a luxury depending on your price bracket. Don’t be put off, as you can find a watch for all budgets at auction. We sold a 1960s 9ct gold ladies Tissot wristwatch in our February sale this year for £168– it came with its original box and guarantee. In the same sale, a vintage Cyma as well as a gent’s Tissot wristwatch went for £168. A few months ago we also sold a vintage gentleman’s Omega Automatic wristwatch for £180 and a Jaeger Le Coultre went for £504. Seiko is perhaps the most well-known name in Japanese watches. From the Seiko Kinetic automatic chronograph to the classic diver’s watch, the company has a watch for every occasion.

This Seiko 1639 is best known as Pogue with its

snazzy Pepsi-style dial. Prices of these have quadrupled in the last few years and they now go for a minimum of £200, with good examples even selling for £600.

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