Fine Clocks Auctions at Dreweatts

When considering the market in Antiquarian Horology, 2024 has emphasised both the challenges and opportunities that exist, and consequently, how Dreweatts is uniquely placed to provide the best possible results. There is no getting away from it, the market is challenging, and hence requires effort to ensure good results. For the right items interest is still strong, but in an arguably narrower market we have to be proactive in the way in which we present items within the marketplace. This is where Dreweatts' strength lies. Our approach is unique in that we are able to target a very broad spectrum of buyers without compromising our core mantra of presenting items in the most informed and comprehensive manner.

We pride ourselves in the fact that we are able draw on our industry-leading approach in marketing multi-disciplinary high-end single owner collections - focusing on the high-end decorating and furnishing markets - whilst still being able to target specialist collectors in a highly intuitive manner. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated by the results of our Fine Clocks sale on 12 September 2024 which saw a market leading 90% sell-through rate and an average of 62% of lots selling above low estimate.

Notable Highlights from 2024

Integral to the success of this sale was presenting selected items for viewing within the room settings of our prestigious Fine Furniture sale which was held the same week. In addition to this we were able to draw on the marketing of a relatively small single owner horological collection (that of the late Leonard Fuller), in such a manner as to provide an ‘uplift’ in interest for the sale as a whole. The highly detailed nature of the descriptions, coupled with comprehensive knowledgeable condition reports, ensured that buyers, wherever they were, could bid with complete confidence which resulted in significant purchases by overseas clients. Most notable amongst these was Lot 1158, a fine and very rare French Empire mantel clock with mechanical orrery, which was attributed to the workshop of Antide Janvier. This sold to a North American buyer for £92,700 (against a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-15,000), as a result of competitive bidding from a bidder in Australia.

Amongst other notable results were £68,950 for Lot 1246, a fine Charles II month longcase clock by Thomas Tompion in a contemporary but non-original case; and £18,900 for Lot 1174, a rare large French novelty industrial automaton ‘Lighthouse’ timepiece which sold to a private buyer of furniture and decorative objects, having fended-off heavy bidding from specialist collectors.

Your New Year's To Do List...?

Following from the success of this sale, Dreweatts Clocks department is committed to continue providing the best possible informed presentation for all items consigned to us for sale, and to offer them ‘under the hammer’ from the rostrum.

So as Edward Dent’s magnificent turret clock prepares itself for its most important performance of the year, those horologists amongst us who are contemplating the consolidation of their collection, may want to put ‘contact Dreweatts for a chat’ on their New Year's To Do list.

Wishing all our clients the very best wishes for Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Thinking of selling?

We are currently welcoming consignments for our 2025 auction calendar. If you are thinking of selling, please contact our experienced professional team of specialists for further information and guidance: +44 (0) 1635 553 553 | clocks@dreweatts.com

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