Watch the bids climb as collection goes on sale
WATCHES, clocks and parts amassed by a man over a lifetime have sold for £88,000 – far above the estimate of £52,000.
Gildings Auctioneers, in Market Harborough, sold the collection of Kettering enthusiast Ronald J Pace.
The standout lot was a Longines Second World War RAF pilot’s watch, in a set of three wristwatches, which sold for £2,200 – over 10 times the estimate, despite not being in working order.
Director Mark Gilding said: “We’re thrilled with the result of the sale of this extraordinary collection of horological history dating from the late 18th century all the way through to the 1990s.
“Ronald Pace’s expert eye and lifelong passion for collecting watches, clocks and their associated parts resulted in a deep treasure trove for enthusiasts.
“Indeed, such was the interest in his collection, we had bidders from all over the world, including Germany, France, Eastern Europe, New Zealand and the USA.”
An Omega Seamaster 300 wristwatch from the 1960s watch sold for £2,200, doubling its estimate.
A silver-cased open-faced pocket watch made in Birmingham in 1901, sold for £1,300 against an estimate of £80 to £120.
The First World War saw the transition from pocket watches to wristwatches, for practical reasons.
A First World War trench watch with Swiss silver case and black strap by Birch & Gaydon, London, sold for £400.
Mark said: “The extraordinarily high bids achieved for so many of the lots
AUCTION TOTAL
FAR EXCEEDS THE ESTIMATE
really does show the value collectors place on these kinds of rare items, whether that’s for them to restore and perhaps sell on or to add to their own collections.
“So, as well as the brilliant result achieved, it’s great to think of this very special lifetime collection finding a new home with people who will treasure it all over the world.”