George Daniels’ timepieces were created with such skill and care, and in such small quantities, that it’s always a special occasion when his fine watchmaking appears on the market. The upcoming Geneva Watch Auction: XVI sale taking place from 5 to 6 September, presented by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, features not one but three such examples, including a particularly unique watch never seen before at auction. 

Regarded by many as the finest horologist of his generation, during his lifetime Daniels handmade himself just 23 pocket watches, alongside two one-of-a-kind wristwatches for his personal use. Counted among the latter is the unique Spring Case Tourbillon from 1992 seen in this auction (estimate in excess of CHF1m), an impressive showcase of his pioneering inventions. It would become his daily watch, before he was persuaded to part with it and it was sold on in 2005. 

Particularly ingenious is its two-part case, which opens via a pusher to reveal a reverse dial. To the front, the beautiful hand-guilloché silver dial features golden detailing indicating the hours, minutes and seconds, as well as a sub counter with power reserve indication. Hidden at the back is an equally captivating display showing the calendar, as well as a glimpse at the workings of the tourbillon escapement. 

Further to the watches made by his own hand, he created two tourbillon wristwatches and two production series, the Millennium and Anniversary watches, in collaboration with his protégé Roger Smith. Appearing in the upcoming auction is a fine example of an Anniversary watch in yellow gold, one of only 35 made in the material (estimate CHF300,000-600,000). This is accompanied by an example of the Millennium watch from 1999, part of a limited edition of 48 pieces celebrating the arrival to market of Daniels’ renowned co-axial escapement. 

phillips.com