17th century Thomas Tompion clock watch stars in Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches Sale

A fine and rare gold key wind pair case clock watch by Thomas Tompion is the stand out lot at next week’s Bonhams Watches and Wristwatches Sale on 22 May, online and at the company”s Knightsbridge, London, sale room. Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) is among the greatest of early English clockmakers and is considered the greatest watch and clockmaker of the 17th century with his workshops among the first the first to use balance springs in his creations. The case clock watch on sale at Bonhams is described by the auctioneer as a particularly fine example from the period showing the finesse needed to make a watch that truly strikes the hours. Estimated at £20,000-30,000, the clock watch is in very good original condition with blued steel work and exceedingly fine arbors. Penny Morris, head of watches, at Bonhams Knightsbridge said: “It is a rare opportunity to be able to offer such a significant and . Source