Ones to watch in Cotswolds saleroom

Timeless classic watches from the likes of Jaeger Le Coultre, Omega, Breitling and Rolex clocked up the highest prices in The Cotswold Auction Company’s recent of Silver, Jewellery, Watches, Asian and Whisky sale.

A Jaeger Le Coultre 18 carat gold cased Master Control watch hammered down at £3,200 on an estimate of £3,500 to £4,500, while an 18-carat gold Omega Seamaster De Ville gentleman’s wristwatch ticked up close behind at a hammer of £2,050, on an estimate of £1,500 to £2,000.

Among the brightest stars of the sale was a Breitling Navitimer Chronometer men’s wristwatch, sold for £1,850, while a Rolex Cellini 18-carat gold cased wristwatch rolled up behind at £900.

Even a trusty Waltham half-hunter pocket watch, 9-carat gold cased, chimed with buyers, hammering down at £650 on an estimate of £300 to £500.

Unexpected standout sellers included a Victorian Charles Fox II silver four-piece tea and coffee set, which hammered down at £3,000 on an estimate of £800 to £1,200, and an SJ Dupont Andalusia limited edition briquet lighter, which sold for £600.

Auctioneer and company director Lindsey Braune said: “We had an exceptional range of classic watches in this particular sale, all of which attracted considerable interest from buyers and commanded strong prices across the board.

“As well as the watches, we were pleased with the performance of several standout items in the sale, including a Victorian silver tea and coffee set which sold for well above estimate, and a bottle of Highland Park 37-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, which went for £1,200.”