PREVIEW: WATCHES: 17 SEPTEMBER

In a catalogue that can already boast 35 pocket watches, one that stands out is a rare Patek Philippe gold Twenty Dollar Liberty coin watch estimated at £10,000-15,000.

Made around 1974, it was the latest example of a series of coin watches first created in the 1920s. These rare ultra-thin timepieces are made using two actual coins to construct the outer case.

Patek Philippe produced several variants using different coins and monetary values, but they are rarely available as only 200 were produced.

Prestigious brands such as, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Corum and Vacheron Constantin have all created produced examples of these novelty timepieces over the years.

Another highlight is the watch presented to Petty Officer Henry James White who served on H.M.S. Powerful in the Boer War in South Africa between 11th October 1899 and 31 May 1902.

Launched as a first class cruiser in 1895, HMS Powerful was dispatched to Durban, South Africa following the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. When fierce fighting broke out around the garrison town of Ladysmith, HMS Powerful and her sister ship HMS Terrible sent two 4.7 inch and four 12 pound naval guns to help across land on a journey of 189 miles by rail. Oxen pulled the carriages and, when they died, the sailors had to pull the guns themselves.

The mission helped keep the Boers at bay but could not prevent the siege. Over 40 men from HMS Powerful died in the effort.

On their return to Portsmouth, the crew were given a hero’s welcome. It was at a banquet at Portsmouth Town Hall where the Mayor presented a silver watch to each member of the crew, including Petty Officer White.

The silver hunting cased keyless watch, inscribed Siege of Ladysmith 118 days 1899 - 1900 H. J. White. L. S. H.M.S. Powerful, and dated c.1900, is expected to fetch £400-600.