PREVIEW: WATCHES: 24 JUNE

Lange & Söhne produced oversized stainless steel centre seconds watches on commission for the German Air Force during the 1940s.

These oversized watches were produced to the Luftwaffe’s specifications with 55mm diameter cases to accommodate the large movements, centre seconds and an oversized crown. They would have been fitted with extra-long leather straps so they could be worn over a flight jacket.

One of these watches is a highlight of this sale, with the side of its case engraved F123883, representing flieger and 23 identifying it as a navigation watch. Dating to around 1940, and with some condition issues, it is expected to sell for £2,600-3,600.

The Swiss watchmaker Eugène Bornand & Cie was established in Sainte-Croix in the 19th century, first earning a notable reputation in 1855, around the time the gold dual time watch offered in this sale was made.

With a jewelled lever escapement, white enamel dial and subsidiary dials for dual time and constant seconds, it has Arabic and Roman numerals, with Vero, Tempo and Medio above the dials. It comes in an 18ct gold, gold cuvette, rear cover finely engraved with foliate designs, plain cartouche to the centre, and is signed Euge Bornand & Cie a Ste Croix.

At 44mm, it retains its fitted presentation case and is estimated at £1,800-2,200.

An elaborately designed oval pavé diamond-set lady’s gold and diamond-set wristwatch by Chopard, dating to around 2000 is another highlight. Complete with an 18ct gold, snap-on back, the bezel lined with three rows of diamond, and transparent butterflies with three floating diamonds, it should sell for £2,000-3,000.