George Daniels's watch collection may bring $7.9m at Sotheby's auction

Until his death in 2011, George Daniels was one of the most famous and celebrated horologists in the world. Creating innovations in the pursuit, most notably the groundbreaking co-axial escapement, he is currently the only horologist to have received both an MBE and a CBE.

Daniels was fascinated at an early age by the workings of a damaged pocket watch and resolved to learn how to repair them. By the time he joined the army at age 18 (in 1944 with WWII not yet completed) he was offering to do repairs for his fellow soldiers.

Of course, regular readers will already know a fair bit about George Daniels as we've already had reason to discuss him on here - not just for one or two individual examples of his work which have come to auction in recent years, but also because his collection of classic cars and motorbikes is heading to auction at Bonhams in the summer.

George Daniels
The man himself, with an antique clock in the background

Perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that there was also a personal collection of watches waiting to be offered too, which is set to be sold late in the year at Sotheby's.

An impressive 130 watches and timepieces, representing great makers of the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries, will go under the hammer. No doubt Breguet will be well represented - we've mentioned Daniels's inspiration by the great innovator before.

George Daniels Grand Complication watch
George Daniels's Grand Complication watch

In total the collection is expected to raise around £5m, all of which will be used to support the George Daniels Educational Trust. It awards money to students who wish to study Horology, Medicine, Engineering, Building or Construction.

 "It is a huge honor to present George Daniels' personal collection featuring watches and clocks of key periods of horology history. George Daniels was a Master watchmaker and this single owner sale is a unique opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary contribution to watchmaking." commented Geoffroy Ader, Sotheby's European Head of Watches.

"We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm with many collectors around the world".

Sotheby's auction takes place on November 6 in London. Collectors keen to own a high quality timepiece who simply can't wait that long should check out this Men's Olympic Series Watch by Longines - a classic Swiss luxury timepiece from the 180 year-old company.


 

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