A rare 1960s wristwatch made for the BBC comes for sale at Chiswick Auctions on March 22nd. Made by Lemania, the stainless steel manual chronograph was chosen by the Beeb for its great accuracy. In the pre-digital era, programme staff and producers relied on a good timekeeper during live broadcasts. The watch has the BBC initials engraved to the back and the BBC inventory number 4269. It is expected to bring £1,500 – £2,500.
Chiswick Auctions’ specialist Watches sale includes a number of very special issues. Direct from family member who worked with M15 is an extremely rare Breitling stainless steel automatic bracelet diver’s watch. The Superocean Steelfish from 2009 has the MI5 Security Service crest to the dial at the nine o’clock position’ and appropriate engraving to the case back. Made in a limited edition of just 900 pieces to mark 100 years since the creation of the Secret Service in 1909, it is guided at £2,000 – £4,000.
Skeleton
An 18-carat gold watch by Breguet is thought to be a unique piece made by the top-drawer Swiss brand 50 years ago. This manual watch with skeleton champagne hour ring and black numerals and hands was sent to Breguet to confirm its authenticity; the firm said the watch had been sold on November 29, 1972 in London for the price equivalent of 3,850 French francs. Complete with its original strap with gold Breguet buckle, it comes for sale with an estimate of £15,000 – £20,000.
There was an era when the well-turned-out gentleman would also accessorise with a fountain pen. A particularly smart example offered here is a number 5 by Edward Todd & Co. New York in an engine-turned gold case. Engraved for Thomas Griffin, Mayor of Kidderminster, 1925-1926, it was a presentation piece to Griffin who held the record for the longest serving member of the Town Council, having been first elected in 1896. Estimate £800 – £1,000.
https://www.chiswickauctions.co.uk
See also: Hotel Villa Honegg – The Swiss Way
