Men’s manual watches from the 1950s and ‘60s are highly collectible with traditional brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega the most coveted. In fact, it’s the one area men collect very discretely often amassing a little cache of pieces, one for every occasion from the ‘Rat Pack’ look to the more sporty motor racing models immortalised by icons Paul Newman and Steve McQueen.
But one model, in Britain especially, is the RAF pilot’s watch manufactured for precision and durability as, Lot 5, the 1942 LeCoultre model sold for £1,400 (including premium). Curiously, this watch came from a deceased estate in the Woodley area of Reading where the RAF had a base during World War II, so lots of history attached.
Another JaegerLeCoultre, Master Control Hours from the 1960s made £3,200; Lot 56 was an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, making £1,800 and a 1970s Omega Chronometer Electronic fetched £320, so something for everyone.
Jewellery fans were not disappointed with a broad array of white and yellow gold rings, bracelets and pendants, but the star of the sale was a diamond solitaire ring, measuring 2.59 carats, and selling for £20,500 eventually going to a buyer in the Middle East from a starting price of £9,000. An assortment of commemorative gold and silver coins/stamps were also prominent fetching premium prices reflecting the buoyant value of precious metals.
