A pocket watch of British origin has shattered a world record after it was sold for an astonishing £2.1 million at auction in Geneva. The intricate timepiece, which took four years to create, had been expected to fetch around £1 million but dramatically surpassed all predictions.
A Masterpiece of Horology
Created in 1907 by the renowned Coventry watchmaker Joseph Player, the watch is considered one of the most complicated vintage pocket watches ever made. It boasts an array of sophisticated features including moon-phase tracking, an alarm, and a built-in thermometer.
The historic sale took place at Phillips' Decade One auction, where the final hammer price reached 2,238,000 Swiss francs (equivalent to £2,122,896), leaving auction watchers stunned. The event drew a global audience with 1,885 registered bidders from 72 countries and nearly 800 collectors attending in person.
A Personal and Historic Connection
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the event, Joseph Player's great-great-grandson, Carl, travelled to Switzerland to witness the sale. He shared with the BBC the profound experience of holding the watch, stating it made him feel a direct connection to his ancestor.
The J Player & Sons Hyper Complication Pocket Watch had been kept by its previous, anonymous owner for 51 years. Auctioneers highlighted that the piece demonstrates the incredible technical prowess of English watchmaking from an era when England, not Switzerland, was the home of horological innovation.
Setting a New Benchmark
This sale now stands as the world record for an antique British pocket watch. A spokesperson for the auctioneers noted that the atmosphere during the two-day event was one of friendship and celebration, marking a significant moment for collectors and the history of watchmaking alike.
