A 1970 gold twin-barrel tourbillion pocket watch by George Daniels (1926-2011) is set to star in an auction at Sotheby’s.

The July 6 sale focuses on English watchmakers from the 17th century to the present day.

George Daniels was a celebrated English watchmaker 

Daniels was a supremely talented watchmaker who was one of the last to build his creations almost entirely by hand.

The present lot was made for collector Edward Hornby, whom Daniels knew well.

Daniels wrote in a letter of provenance accompanying the piece: “I first met him in 1960 when he began to intensify his interest in horology.

“We became firm friends and, in 1970, Edward expressed a wish to add a Daniels to his collection.

“This tourbillon was added to the collection in 1971. It was the fourth example made…”

The lot is valued at £250,000-350,000 ($316,641-443,297), but that could prove low. A dedicated George Daniels auction hosted by Sotheby’s in 2012 saw practically every lot sell for substantially over estimate.

A 1756 two train half quarter repeating coach watch by Walter Partridge is expected to bring in £150,000-250,000 ($189,984-316,614).

It’s a huge watch, measuring 200mm in diameter.

The outside of the silver casing is decorated with a version of the Adoration of the Magi. Very few Walter Partridge watches are known, but all are of exceptional quality.

He appears to have had some connection with royalty, as a carriage clock by him stands in Hampton Court Palace.

Sotheby’s suggests this piece could potentially have been made for Prince George’s 18th birthday, which could ramp up its value.

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