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A one-of-one watch containing the corpse of a wolf spider could sell for £2,000 in our upcoming auction.
The timepiece, by Swiss watchmaking brand ArtyA, is called a Son of Earth “Arachnophobia” watch. The case of ArtyA watches are often struck by lightning bolts or sculpted by an electric arc created by a Tesla coil.
Further adding to the intrigue of the piece, the strap is designed using the skin of a cane toad. This is because according to legend lightning can’t harm the amphibian.
With an estimate of £1,300 – £2,000, the watch is included as Lot 207 in our Luxury Watch Sale. Our auction takes place on Monday 16th August.
The Brand
ArtyA are an innovative Swiss watchmaking company founded by designer Yvan Arpa.
The company use unconventional raw materials, as a result one-of-a-kind pieces not seen anywhere else in the world of horology are created.
Some other watches by ArtyA feature real bullets, butterfly wings, and tobacco leaves.
The arachnophobia watch was one of the early pieces produced in 2010. It includes a working automatic movement. Furthermore, a box in an almost unused condition is included with the lot.
The spider is displayed with its legs spread across the dial and behind the time hands so the spookiness can be seen in detail.
Another ArtyA watch which sports a skull motif centre, entitled “Mask of Evil”, features as Lot 208 in the same sale.
Kes Crockett, Watch Specialist from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This very unusual and eye-catching watch was created using techniques not seen anywhere else in the watchmaking industry. The high voltage lightning bolt around the case is particularly interesting.
“There are some gold leafs and artistic colouring details on the face of the watch to go alongside the wolf spider in the middle of the item. The body of the spider is quite raised which adds a 3D effect to the watch. I have never and probably will never see an item featuring the corpse of a spider like this again. It’s certainly one of the most unique watches I have ever laid my eyes on.”
The Luxury Watch Sale is our bi-monthly flagship watch auction. Hundreds of high-end watches from a variety of prestigious brands will be on offer. Moreover, the sale is our most grand auction of watches.
There are selected viewing days in both London and Birmingham. Delivery of the item is free.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now:
Fill in a form online.
Book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London.
Book a virtual valuation appointment.
By Kes Crockett, Cataloguer at Fellows Auctioneers.
We are fortunate to see a wide variety of timepieces in our Luxury and Online Watch sales but every now and again something quite special comes along. One of our highlight lots in the Luxury Watch Sale on 19th April, is an early 18th Century pocket watch by Thomas Tompion & Edward Banger.
Thomas Tompion was born in 1639, the son of a blacksmith and began his professional horological journey after becoming an apprentice with the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in around 1671. By 1676 he was appointed clockmaker for the Royal Greenwich Observatory following a commission by Charles II to make two clocks accurate enough to be used for astronomical calculations. It is claimed that the use of these clocks allowed Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, to prove his hypothesis that the earth span on its axis at a uniform rate.
Lot 196An early 18th century open face pocket watch by Thomas Tompion & Edward Banger, London.
Although Tompion is often referred to as the “Father of English Clockmaking” his talents were not just limited to clocks, he also made watches. Perhaps his most important watch was one made for Robert Hooke in 1675 to demonstrate the use of a balance spring as a means to improving time keeping accuracy. Before around 1680 there had been no need to have minute hands on watches as the time keeping was so poor. They were essentially fashion items for the wealthy, but the balance spring changed that and led to over two centuries of innovation in the watchmaking industry.
Later in his career, in 1701 Tompion partnered with Edward Banger, who was married to Tompion’s niece. The clocks and watches made during this period are said to be some of the finest that the Tompion workshop produced. It is not clear why, but the partnership lasted for just six years, at which point Banger was dismissed from the premises. With this information we are able to date the pocket watch available in our upcoming sale to between 1701 and 1707.
The pocket watch has an estimate of £4,500 – £6,500
Following Banger’s dismissal Tompion produced a number of watches solely under his name before partnering with George Graham (NOT the former Arsenal manager) in 1712. Graham was another watchmaker married to another of Tompion’s nieces, and upon Tompions death in 1713 took over the business. Graham himself was a highly influential horologist with a number of his own inventions including the mercury pendulum. Such was their friendship, Graham was to be buried with Tompion in the same tomb at Westminster Abbey when he died many years later in 1751.
Thomas Tompion was an incredibly successful watchmaker and retailer, making around 5500 watches and 700 clocks throughout his career. It is probably a consequence of this high level of output that Tompion created another horological first, still seen on watches to this day.… the serial number!
Further information about Thomas Tompion and examples of his work can be found on the British Museum website here.
An extremely rare Heuer Skipper watch, reference 7753, designed in the late sixties to celebrate Emil Mosbacher’s second America’s Cup win sold for £57,420 in the Luxury Watch auction. It is believed that Jack Heuer only designed around 20 of these watches, circa 1968, following Mosbacher’s sailing win where his winning boat contained Heuer Chronographs. This particular example, nicknamed a ‘Skipperera’ due to it using a sixties Heuer Carrera case, featured as Lot 59 in our Luxury Watch Sale on Monday 26th October.
The sought-after Heuer Skipper
The Heuer watch is powered to assist sailboat racers. Due to the effects of wind and water, it is impossible for racers to start together. Thus, competitors await behind the starting line for a horn or gunshot. The races start with a 5, 10, or 15-minute countdown, at which point boats are positioned as close to the starting line as possible before the actual race begins. The Heuer’s manual wind Valjoux calibre 7730 ensures the elegantly designed watch can essentially act as a timer for yachters, offering a 15-minute register.
The stainless steel chronograph contains a blue dial with baton hour markers, and a coloured subsidiary recorder dial to three and nine. The watch was fitted to an unsigned stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp. The green for the subsidiary seconds dial matches the colour of the yacht’s deck which won the America’s Cup, with green having been originally chosen because of its anti-reflective properties. The watch was sold in an overall good condition, and was also the only Skipper model produced not to feature a calibrated bezel.
The watch was sold to a telephone bidder after bidding from commission bidders for a hammer price of £45,000 which is £57,420 including fees.
Laura Bishop, Watch Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to have broken the house record at Fellows for the most expensive Heuer watch ever sold. We knew due to the sheer rarity of this Skipperera watch that it would attract interest from around the world and the winner of this item has bagged themselves a real timepiece treasure. The watch sold as part of our hugely successful Luxury Watch Sale, and with this watch selling for £57,420, it shows there is still a strong demand for limited edition timepieces.”
Beautiful jewellery linked to internationally acclaimed music artists Phil Collins and Lorde is up for auction this week at Fellows. Lot 378 in the Jewellery Sale, ending on Thursday 16th April is an 18ct gold brilliant and ‘Shiva’-cut diamond ‘Two Hearts’ pendant, designed by Phil Collins. The pendant is estimated at £1,400 – £2,000. Lot 330 is a rose-cut diamond swallow necklace, with ruby accent eyes, by Rona Pfeiffer – identical to a necklace worn by singer Lorde in a music video. It is estimated at £500 – £700.
A ‘Shiva’-cut diamond ‘Two Hearts’ pendant, designed by Phil Collins
Lot 378 is a beautiful heart pendant which was designed by Phil Collins in conjunction with the National Osteoporosis Society. Featuring a ‘shiva’-cut diamond, including additional facets than a traditional brilliant cut offering the jewellery more of a sparkle. The piece has a total diamond weight of 1.25cts, is of H-I colour and VS-SI1 clarity. It has Hallmarks for London, 2003 and Sheffield. With a pendant length of 3.6cms and a chain length of 40cms, the pendant weighs 12.1gms.
The diamond swallow pendant necklace, Lot 330, is identical to one worn by Grammy award winning artist Lorde in the “Magnets” music video by Disclosure. It was designed by Rona Pfeiffer, the celebrity jewellery designer, along with the one up for auction at Fellows which was created at a special request. It is believed there were only a few of these ever made by Rona Pfeiffer. This particular piece has beautiful ruby accent eyes, with a total diamond weight of 2.43cts.
A swallow necklace by Rona Pfeiffer
Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, who consigned the Phil Collins pendant, said: “It’s a thrill to offer more pieces of jewellery relating to high-profile figures in our timed auctions. These two pieces are incredibly beautiful and have extraordinary back stories which only add to their value. It will be fun to see how they eventually sell in our Jewellery Sale which ends on Thursday.”
Fellows Auctioneers currently have auctions of Watches (ending 20th April), and Jewellery (ending 16th April), online via their website.
A remarkably rare gentleman’s Tag Heuer Monaco V4 wrist watch is up for auction at Fellows in Birmingham. The alluring timepiece, marked ’50/60’, has a stunning 18ct rose gold case and is estimated at £20,000 – £30,000 in the Watch Sale. The model was limited, with only sixty timepieces ever made. A relatively modern take on the watches designed to honour the Monaco Grand Prix, the innovative V4 watch was introduced in 2004 and contains mechanisms mirroring that of an automobile engine. The watch is listed as Lot 350 in the auction which will take place at 11am on Tuesday 26th November.
Rose gold Tag Heuer Monaco V4
The rose gold Monaco V4 watches were created in 2010, six years after plans for the original V4 watches were revealed. The timepiece up for auction has a reference WAW2040, with a signed automatic belt drive calibre V4. It contains two pairs of cylinders connected in parallel by belts. It includes a beautiful black skeletonised dial with PVD-coated Côtes de Genève finishing, displaying seven bridges in satin silver. There is an exposed balance wheel to eight, with subsidiary seconds dial to four. The V4 measures 41mm, and is fitted to an unsigned black alligator strap with a signed rose metal deployant clasp.
Steven Yambo, Senior Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This is one of the most intriguing watches we have had up for auction. The rose gold V4 is a simply stunning watch to look at which is a perfect representation of a timepiece designed to reflect the automobile industry. The fact that there are only sixty of these limited edition pieces out there makes me confident it will get a lot of attention at auction. Hopefully with this Tag Heuer watch and other highlights our final flagship Watch Sale of the year will finish strongly.”
The Watch Sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
19 November 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
23 November 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
25 November 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
26 November 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged automobile, Birmingham, car, engine, Heuer, innovative, london, Monaco, rare, stunning, tagheuer, v4, watch
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We don’t often see German Luftwaffe watches from the Second World War at auction. It is far more common for us to see pieces belonging to Allied Forces. Therefore, when we do see German military pieces from the Second World War, they can achieve extraordinary prices. For instance, one such piece is this historic military “Kampfschwimmer” Panerai diver’s watch from WWII. We sold this particular watch for £53,592 in 2019.
There are quite a few theories as to why Luftwaffe watches are so rare in the secondary market. We believe that the following is a credible theory. As they were not personally owned by the aviators, the watches were not passed down or sold after the war. The Luftwaffe gave the watches to the aviators before each flight and they were returned after their missions.
History of WWII German Luftwaffe watches
B–Uhren is an abbreviation for Beobachtungs-uhren, which translates as observation watches. The watchmakers created their B-Uhren with pilots of the Luftwaffe in mind. There are two types of B-Uhr watch; Baumuster A and Baumaster B.
A versions were produced from 1940 to 1941 and utilise a traditional style dial numbered 1 to 11 at the hour markers, triangle with two dots at twelve.
B versions were produced from 1941 onwards and instead use minute markers from 5 to 55 around the perimeter of the dial. Again a triangle indicates the twelve marker.
Due to the nature of their work, precision, robustness and legibility were extremely important factors to consider for the Luftwaffe when commissioning watches. The same is true with British military watches. The watchmakers followed strict design criteria.
These included:
- Large “Onion” shaped crown
- 55mm snap back Case in brass or steel
- Triangle marker at twelve
- Luminous paint (226Ra) for the dial markers and hands
- FL 23883 case markings
- Hacking seconds movement
- Balance spring with a Breguet overcoil
- Certified chronometer
- Extra long strap
- A. Lange & Söhne
- IWC
- Laco
- Stowa
- Wempe
A rare ‘dauphin’ brooch designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. is a highlight of Fellows’ September Fine Jewellery auction. The gold, sapphire, demantoid garnet and enamel dolphin brooch is a mesmerising piece of jewellery, weighing 25.1 grams and measuring 6.4cms in length. Lot 287 in the sale, the ‘dauphin’ brooch is estimated at £6,000 – £8,000.
Jean Schlumberger designed iconic jewellery for Tiffany & Co. during the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Items such as this stunning dauphin brooch were designed by Schlumberger, who created jewellery for many famous people, including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. This particularly beautiful piece is in an overall good condition, with demantoid garnets conveying a deep medium, vibrant, yellowish green hue.
A gold, sapphire, demantoid garnet and enamel ‘Dauphin’ brooch, designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Alex Duffy, Jewellery Specialist from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “The unsparing use of coloured gemstones was a trademark of Schlumberger and this is exemplified in the ‘Dauphin’, a truly vibrant and wonderfully playful piece. It is perhaps one of the most iconic designs of his illustrious career designing for Tiffany & Co.
“It’s truly a pleasure to have such an exquisite and joyful item up for sale. We look forward to seeing it swim away at auction and hope it brings a smile to the face of whoever is fortunate enough to be the lucky bidder.”
The Fine Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
3 September 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
7 September 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
10 September 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
11 September 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
12 September 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
We have started a new series, exclusive to our Instagram followers. Words on Watches is a conversation between our specialists, giving them the opportunity to tell our followers more about their favourite watches in the upcoming auction. You can watch the full video here.
This month, we spoke to Steven Yambo [SY] and Carrick Matley [CM] about their picks from August’s The Watch Sale.
Given the success of the video, we thought it would be fun to catch up with Steven and Carrick to see what they thought about the process. We’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that is required to make the series. Steven and Carrick spoke to us [F] about their experiences making the video.
Steven Yambo and Carrick Matley
[F] Hi, guys! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s talk Words on Watches. Out of all of the pieces in the sale, you picked just a couple. You had quite a varied selection of pieces for the video. From classic, simple, vintage pieces, to extremely modern and complicated. What made you choose these watches?
[CM] In all honesty it was a bit of a struggle to settle on these, we have such a wide array of stunning pieces in this sale that picking out just four highlight pieces was always going to be difficult. Nevertheless, the lots I chose are prime examples at showcasing both vintage and modern innovative design. When I look at Lot 185, the Patek Philippe 1579, I see everything a dressy chronograph watch should be, from the elegant case design down to the simple yet effective dial layout. This is truly a watch that deserves high praise and attention and one I was more than happy to talk about.
[SY] The ones I picked were chosen as they were unusual rare watches that we don’t get to see every day. Like Carrick, the Patek particularly stood out to me. We get to see many watches in the watch department every day and at every price point but these stood out as being really special. The Omega tourbillion is the first centre tourbillion I have seen in all my years dealing with watches.
[CM] I couldn’t agree more. The tourbillon is simply eye catching. Omega has made some of the most memorable models over the years from watches that went to the moon down to watches worn by James Bond, but here we have something that feels like more than a watch, it’s a marvel in engineering that breaks the mould on what is achievable.
Steven and Carrick engaged in conversation
[F] It seems like interesting pieces were the order of the day! You must have one watch that stands head and shoulders above the others. Come on, spill – What was your favourite watch and why?
[CM] Hands down the Patek Philippe, it ticks every box for me in terms of what a watch should be. Practical, easy to read and outstandingly beautiful. The 36mm case design with the spider like lugs sits comfortably against the wrist allowing this watch to not only be something that you don’t get tired of looking at, but also one that you don’t get tired of wearing. As I stated in the video, “this is a watch I would love to have in a collection” and I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say that.
[SY] The Omega Speedmaster! With that reference, it’s such a rare watch. It is believed that they only made around 2200 before changing to the .003 reference. It’s in such great original condition and even comes with its box. With the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this year it will hopefully be a really popular lot.
[F] We’re so glad that you said yes to kicking off this new series. What did you hope to get out of recording the video?
[CM] I hope that this new style of video will allow me to put a face behind the watches. I hope that expressing our opinions mixed with some knowledge will allow us to connect with our customers, viewers and followers on a more personal level. The watches will always be the focal point but I hope that we can provide an element of entertainment to the videos that you take the time to watch.
[SY] I thought it would be a great way to show the rare pieces we have coming up. This auction, in particular, is a real opportunity for collectors to add some stunning watches to their collection.
[F] Given how much we enjoyed making the video and the fabulous response we have had online; we’re already looking forward to what comes next. What will your next video be?
[SY] The next video will be for our Watches sale. We have some unusual watches at a lower price point than The Watch Sale. For example, one watch I’ve already got lined up for the video is a Longines Electronic Divers watch with some great 1970’s styling.
[CM] We also like to hear any requests, questions or topics that those watching would like to see, we are always open to suggestions.
We certainly enjoyed making the video with Steven and Carrick. It really showed what a normal working day is like for us at Fellows. We didn’t have a script; it was simply a conversation between two watch enthusiasts in a relaxed environment.
We would love to hear what you think. You can leave a comment on the video or email hello@fellows.co.uk.
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged auction, Birmingham, chat, Fellows, limited, london, omega, patekphilippe, rare, specialist, Speedmaster, tourbillon, watch
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An extremely rare Patek Philippe could fetch in excess of £65,000 at Fellows Auctioneers. Lot 185 in Fellows’ upcoming Watch Sale, taking place on Tuesday 13th August 2019, is the 18ct yellow gold chronograph wrist watch which has been dubbed “spider lugs” due to its unusual back. The lugs on the watch are unique and intriguing in their size and spider-esque appearance. It is rare to find one in such good condition. The watch, reference 1579, dates back to 1952 and is estimated at £55,000 – £75,000.
This yellow gold Patek Philippe has a larger diameter (36mm) than the majority of vintage pieces, which complements its appearance. Along with the rare, alluring lugs which gained the watch its “spider” nickname, the vintage timepiece comes with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives – detailing its history. A similar watch was sold by Sotheby’s for 87.500 USD in December 2017.
Lot 185 – PATEK PHILIPPE- an extremely rare and significant gentleman’s 18ct yellow gold chronograph wrist watch.
The watch has a signed manual wind movement, and is numbered 868278. It has a silvered sunburst dial with applied pyramid hour markers, Arabic numeral six and twelve, subsidiary sunken recorder dials to three and nine, with an outer tachymeter track. Lot 185 in the upcoming Watch Sale, the Patek is fitted to an unsigned black crocodile strap with a gold plated pin buckle.
Laura Bishop, Watch Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are very honoured to have such a rare and special watch up for sale with us. In my time at Fellows we have never had such an exciting Patek Philippe watch go through one of our sales. I can’t wait to see how it does in relation to the estimate we have put on it. The fact that it comes with an extract from the archive makes this watch an irresistible watch for collectors. I can’t wait to watch the bidding unfold for this extraordinary watch.”
The Watch Sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
6 August 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
10 August 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
12 August 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
13 August 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
Photo identification is required to gain access to the viewing.
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged auctions, chronograph, Fellows, patek, philippe, rare, significant, spider, Vintage, watchsale, yellowgold
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Lot 334 in Fellows upcoming Jewellery sale on Thursday 9th May is a beautiful mid 19th century 18ct gold diamond brooch. The brooch by the renowned Parisian goldsmith François-Désiré Froment-Meurice (1802 – 1855) is indicative of his naturalistic and distinctive style which has been described as both Roccoco and Renaissance revival. His style is often seen as an indeterminate because of these influences and can comfortably be described as a precursor to the French Decorative Arts movement.
Born at the beginning of the 19th century, Froment-Meurice is regarded as one of the most accomplished French goldsmiths of that century. He started working under his own name in the 1830s and soon became the go to jeweller of Parisian society and royalty. In 1845 Froment-Meurice was commissioned to create a toilette for Louise-Marie-Thérèse de Bourbon (the granddaughter of Charles X) on the occasion of her wedding to Prince de Lucque, the future Duke of Parma. He collaborated with the architect Duban; sculptors Feuchère and Geoffroy-Dechaume, ornemaniste Liénard, and the enamellists Sollier, Grisée, Meyer-Heine to create this magnificent piece which is now housed at the Musee d’Orsay. Before being given to the Duchess it was exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London. It was lauded at the time for its use of different styles and international influence. Froment-Meurice exhibited at some of the other great international exhibitions of the mid-19th century, to great acclaim and winning medals.
The stunning Froment-Meurice brooch
François-Désiré Froment-Meurice died in 1855, at his most popular, and his son Emile took over the workshop some years later. Emile went on to exhibit at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867, continuing his father Renaissance/ Rococo Revival style.
This mid 19th century 18ct gold diamond brooch depicting a dragon with a rose cut diamond flame is Lot 334 in Fellow 9th May Jewellery auction with the estimate £1200 – £1800. It comes with a fitted case.
The Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
7 May 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
8 May 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
9 May 2019 8.30am – 10am (Birmingham)
This blog was written by Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager at Fellows Auctioneers.
Fellows’ upcoming Watch Sale on Tuesday 2nd April features an extremely rare and innovative timepiece containing what is reputed to be the world’s oldest whisky. The Louis Moinet stainless steel watch is one of 40 ever made and is entered to auction with an estimate of £12,000 – £18,000 – a price which could see the watch sell for over £20,000 including buyer’s premium.
Swiss watchmaking brand Louis Moinet and Wealth Solutions collaborated to create watches containing single malt whisky reputed to be the oldest in the world. They made just forty pieces in steel and only ten in gold. The historic whisky, dating back to 1862 and the age of steam, was distilled in Glenlivet, amongst the beautiful Scottish hills. The whisky capsule is placed on the 3 o’clock mark, and it perfectly complements the beautifully designed watch offering a taste of 19th century Scottish life. Fellows has previously sold watches containing the world’s oldest rum for over £30,000 and are privileged to have a timepiece containing what is the world’s oldest whisky go under the hammer.
LOUIS MOINET – a limited edition gentleman’s stainless steel Metropolis ‘Glenlivet 1862 Whisky’ wrist watch
Michael Jagiela, Watch Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This is one of several extremely rare watches we have up for auction on April 2nd. When Louis Moinet created The Whisky Watch, they combined their Swiss accuracy with the traditions of the Scottish art of distillation. There are many unique features which, when combined together, create a truly exquisite watch. I am sure the item will be very popular with watch and whisky enthusiasts alike. It is a brilliant opportunity for a collector to own some of this rare whisky.”
The watch is Lot 312 in the sale.
The Watch Sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
26 March 2019 12noon -7pm (London)
30 March 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
1 April 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
2 April 2019 8.30am – 11am (Birmingham)
Photo ID is required
Posted in All, Watches
Tagged ageofsteam, auction, Birmingham, distilation, glenlivet, louismoinet, malt, rare, scotland, whisky
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A historic military Panerai watch head acquired from a German “Kampfschwimmer” diver during WWII sold for £53,592. Captain Alfred Packer of 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment attained the watch during Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, in September 1944. The Panerai achieved a hammer price of £42,000 in Fellows’ Watch Sale on Tuesday 2nd April.
The watch was sold along with Captain Packer’s military issue jacket, photograph, military service records and a fascinating personal diary depicting the experiences of the regiment in 1944. The watch was passed down to Packer’s son, and has been kept in a drawer since, without being worn. Personal diary entries show how Packer and others in his regiment contributed to the capturing of Kampfschwimmers.
There was a lot of interest across the room, including phone bidders and bids from the internet. Bidding started at £18,000 and steadily increased until the bidders in the room joined the fray at £34,000. When the hammer eventually fell at £42,000 the room burst into applause, congratulating their fellow bidder on their success at securing this remarkable piece of history.
During Operation Market Garden the German frogmen, or Kampfschwimmers, attempted to thwart the Allies from securing a route to Arnhem. Their mission was to blow up river bridges and roads in Nijmegen. The frogmen were unsuccessful in blowing up a bridge at Nijmegen, and were eventually captured by the Allies, where it is believed the watch was acquired.
Captain Alfred Packer
One section deciphered from Packer’s personal diary can be seen below:
Friday 29th September 1944
Bridges blown by Germans. B Sqn captured 5 of the party. Swam down the Rhine from Germany in special rubber swimming suits with rubber feet like frog’s feet. Rather a clever performance on part of Jerry. We are now rather like a beleaguered garrison. C.O. told me some rather disturbing news. Hope all will be well. Sup[plie]s will come across in DUKS I understand. C Sqn captured 5 more of the ‘dynamiters’.
Captain Alfred Packer, from Bristol, became Captain in May 1944. Before the war, he worked as a commercial traveller for a biscuit manufacturer, and after cease fire was promoted to Major to serve in occupied Germany. Packer was discharged from the Army in April 1946, before he returned home and went back to his old job with the same employer until he retired.
As WWII was looming, Panerai and Rolex worked closely together to manufacture military watches for the Italian Navy, many of which were requisitioned by German forces. This particular watch has “Kurt Kohlrusch” inscribed on the back of the case. It is believed that Kohlrusch was the German diver who wore it during the Second World War. There are records of Kohlrusch being captured and held as a prisoner of war.
Fellows sold a similar Panerai in January 2018, belonging to George H. Rowson who was also part of the 43rd Reconnaissance Corps. Rowson, who served alongside Packer, scratched his own name on the case back of his watch. This is the second piece of history from the same operation that Fellows have had up for auction in the past year.
Laura Bishop, Watch Manager at Fellows, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer another Panerai from WWII in our April Watch Sale. Following on from the success of the Panerai 3646 in January 2018, we can’t quite believe that we have another one up for sale. This example may be missing the wire lugs but the provenance certainly makes up for this. It really is an honour to sell such an exciting and rare piece of history.
It is astonishing to think that the two WWII Panerai watches we have had up for auction in the past year were seized as part of the same altercation by men who would have surely known each other. Although there is no evidence of their families, who later consigned the watches to us, ever having known of each other, both watches have turned up at our auction house in Birmingham.
I thought the Panerai would sell for a good amount but the final figure is impressive. There was so much interest in the end across the room, on the internet and the telephones that I couldn’t keep up. I think that the fact that this watch was acquired during WWII and kept in a drawer ever since is what excited so many people.
“We know that 10 divers were captured during this time and a couple more watches have come to auction recently. To my count there are still 6-8 of these watches unaccounted for and maybe the sale of this Panerai will prompt the remaining few to come to light. We are proud the son of Captain Alfred Packer chose to come to us to sell his father’s watch. To sell both the Panerai last year and the one today for a combined £106,205 is a career highlight of mine.”
The Watch Sale results are available to view online.
If you would like to discuss selling a watch with Fellows, please call Laura Bishop on 02122122131 or email LauraB@fellows.co.uk.
Watch the watch sell.
Fellows are delighted to offer a Louis XV era calendar for sale in the inaugural Fine Jewellery auction on Thursday 21st March. The diamond and mother-of-pearl calendar, dated 1774 was given out at court by Louis Dauphin and Marie-Antoinette Dauphine. It was given as a token of friendship to the court by the royals to celebrate the New Year. Louis XVI (at this point, Dauphin for another year) was known to give out gold snuff boxes and these ornately decorated calendars.
It was bought by the current owner in the Collection Marie-Antoinette at Christie’s in Paris, on 3rd November 2015. The auction had a total price realised of €707,988. The calendar was also previously exhibited at the Palace of Versailles in 1955. Louis-Auguste (Dauphin) and Marie-Antoinette were the last King and Queen of France, eventually being executed during the French Revolution.
A Louis XV gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl calendar
With an estimate of £6,000 – £8,000, the calendar is one of many highlights included in the sale on Thursday 21st March. It has been an exciting time for Fellows Auctioneers with the introduction of a new free bidding platform (Fellows Live) and a fresh Fine Jewellery auction. The Fine Jewellery sale will take place six times over the course of a year, replacing Fellows’ previous Antique & Modern Jewellery auctions. The Fine Jewellery sale will consist of around 500 lots, including elegant and high-end jewellery, ranging from designer to historically beautiful pieces.
Nicola Whittaker, from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a historically interesting piece in Fellows’ inaugural Fine Jewellery auction. This calendar was given out by Louis Dauphin, later Louis XVI, and his wife Marie-Antoinette to members of their court. Louis was known for giving extravagant gifts to his friends and that this calendar contains birthdays, social events and astrological information makes it very sentimental. This is the first time this piece has come to auction within the UK and we are excited to bring it to a British market given the recent surge in popularity of pieces connected to the couple.”
Fellows is expecting a lot of interest in this piece, given its connection to Marie-Antoinette. After all, Marie-Antoinette’s pearls broke world records at Sotheby’s Geneva auction at the end of last year.
The Fine Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
12 March 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
16 March 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
19 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
20 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
21 March 2019 8.30am – 10am (Birmingham)
Photo ID is required
Fellows’ inaugural Fine Jewellery auction on Thursday 21st March offers an eighteenth century diamond and shagreen etui from the Countess of Portland. The alluring etui, once part of a larger chatelaine, has superbly matched diamonds and a fascinating history. The piece opens to reveal a pistol-grip folding knife, an ivory aide memoire, scissors, a pencil, and two personal grooming products.
Passed down from Jane Bentinck, Countess of Portland, the etui was given to her husband’s great granddaughter, Elizabeth Monck. The stunning item was on Elizabeth’s wedding inventory in 1769. It is likely the Countess of Portland (1672-1751) passed the etui down as a gift. The etui was exhibited in 1953 at the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Bentinck Beresford Collection to assist with their coronation celebrations that year.
The item was consigned to Fellows from the estate of the late David Lavender, who acquired it as part of a collection in 2006. David Lavender, who was a renowned London dealer and collector of objets d’art, passed away in October 2018.
Lot 450: An 18th century silver and gold, shagreen and diamond etui.
Nicola Whittaker, from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This etui is a beautiful piece even without the fantastic provenance we have. Given that we have record dating it to at least 250 years old, the condition is incredible. With information from the collection of the late David Lavender, we have been able to track the history of the piece back to 1769 when it was given by Jane Temple Bentinck, Countess of Portland to her great granddaughter, Elizabeth Monck.”
Whittaker added: “The diamonds appear to be original and the shagreen casing is unlikely to have been redone or repaired. The six articles inside seem to be contemporary to each other and the fittings look original. We are delighted to have such a fine piece in our inaugural Fine Jewellery auction as it typifies the calibre of pieces to expect in future auctions.”
The etui is estimated at £5,000 – £7,000, and appears as Lot 450. It is one of many highlights from the Fine Jewellery sale, a brand new auction full of high quality, diverse jewels to attract the increasing global audience at Fellows Auctioneers.
The Fine Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
12 March 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
16 March 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
19 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
20 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
21 March 2019 8.30am – 10am (Birmingham)
Photo ID is required
You can contact Nicola Whittaker using the following details: nicola@fellows.co.uk
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