Could a 1907 Pocket Watch with Alarm and Thermometer Really Fetch £2.1 Million?

A pocket watch made in Coventry in 1907 has achieved a remarkable milestone by selling for a record-breaking amount at an auction in Switzerland. Estimated to fetch £1 million, the J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch sold for an astounding £2,238,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to approximately £2,122,896. This sale highlights the significance of antique British timepieces and the exceptional craftsmanship of English watchmakers from that era.

Last updated: 09 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent auction of the J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch in Geneva has set a new world record for an antique British pocket watch. This exceptional timepiece was auctioned by Phillips Watches on 9 November 2023, attracting significant attention from collectors across the globe. The record sale price underscores the growing interest in vintage watches and their historical significance, particularly those linked to notable craftsmanship from the UK.

Key takeaways

The J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch sold for £2,122,896, setting a new world record.
This 1907 Coventry-made watch was described as one of the most complicated vintage pocket watches ever made.
The auction attracted nearly 1,900 bidders from 72 countries, with a significant in-person attendance.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of this remarkable pocket watch began with its creation in 1907 by J Player & Sons, a Coventry-based firm that has a rich heritage in watchmaking. Here’s a brief overview of key milestones leading up to the record auction:

1858: J Player & Sons is founded by Joseph Player, known for creating the first keyless watch.
1974: The watch is acquired by an unnamed owner who keeps it for 51 years.
9 November 2023: The watch is auctioned in Geneva, culminating in its world-record sale.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent auction has confirmed the watch's status as the most expensive antique British pocket watch ever sold, surpassing previous records. The auction attracted a large number of bidders and highlighted the continued interest in vintage timepieces.

What was already established

Before this auction, it was known that J Player & Sons was a reputable watchmaker in Coventry, creating complex and ornate watches. The firm has historical significance in the development of watchmaking in England, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The sale of such a high-value timepiece underscores the potential for antique items to appreciate in value, impacting collectors and households interested in heritage investments. It also raises awareness of the craftsmanship involved in British watchmaking, potentially inspiring new generations of collectors.

Businesses and jobs

This record sale could have positive implications for the UK watchmaking industry by enhancing its reputation and attracting more interest in British-made timepieces. It could also stimulate local tourism in Coventry, as watchmaking heritage becomes a point of interest for visitors.

Policy and regulation

With the growing market for antique watches, there may be future discussions around the regulation of luxury goods and their sales, especially as online auctions continue to evolve. This could lead to new standards for transparency and provenance in the antique market.

Numbers that matter

£2,122,896: The record sale price of the J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch.
1,885: The number of registered bidders across 72 countries for the auction.
800: The approximate number of collectors and enthusiasts who attended the auction in person.

Definitions and jargon buster

Hyper Complication: A term used to describe a watch with multiple complicated features, such as moon phases, alarms, and thermometers.
Keyless watch: A type of watch that does not require a key to wind and set the time, making it more user-friendly.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch collectors and enthusiasts might look for other auctions featuring vintage items, as the market becomes more dynamic following this record sale.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Antique dealers and collectors may start to reassess their inventories and valuations in light of the recent auction, potentially leading to increased activity in the market.

Signals to watch

Upcoming auctions featuring antique watches and their sale prices.
Interest levels from collectors in vintage items, as measured by auction participation.

Practical guidance

Do

Research the provenance and history of antique watches before purchasing.
Attend watch fairs and exhibitions to gain insights into the latest trends and valuations.

Don’t

Don’t rush into purchasing without thorough research on the item’s authenticity.
Don’t overlook the importance of proper storage and maintenance of antique timepieces.

Checklist

Verify the watch's provenance and previous ownership.
Assess the watch's condition and any restoration that may have been done.
Understand the market value and compare with recent sales of similar items.
Consider the potential for appreciation in value over time.
Evaluate the historical significance of the watch and its maker.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the recent auction has drawn significant attention, it's essential to acknowledge that the market for antique watches can be volatile. Prices may fluctuate based on trends, collector interest, and economic conditions. Additionally, the confidentiality of the seller and buyer raises questions about the provenance of future sales and the authenticity of similar timepieces.

Bottom line

The record-setting sale of the J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch underscores the enduring value of heritage craftsmanship in the UK. Collectors and enthusiasts should remain vigilant in researching and valuing antique watches, as the market continues to evolve in response to high-profile sales like this one.

FAQs

How much did the pocket watch sell for?

The J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch sold for £2,122,896, setting a new world record for an antique British pocket watch.

Who made the pocket watch?

The pocket watch was made by J Player & Sons, a Coventry-based firm founded by Joseph Player in 1858.

Why is this pocket watch significant?

This pocket watch is significant due to its complexity and craftsmanship, being described as one of the most complicated vintage pocket watches ever made.