LONDON, ENGLAND.- William II, German Emperor and King of Prussia described George Lennox Watson (1851-1904) as “one of the most prominent yacht designers in the world”. The full extent of his spectacular career as an internationally acclaimed naval architect and designer will be revealed by Bonhams on November 7 when it sells Watson’s collection of letters, telegrams, trophies, chronometers, watches, and historic photographs at Knightsbridge, London.

The collection, worth in excess of £20,000, will comprise 30 lots of personal artefacts, which will be sold on behalf Watson’s descendents.

George Lennox Watson was born in Glasgow during the year of the Great Exhibition and in 1873 he established the first yacht design office in the world. G.L.Watson & Co is now based in Liverpool, but no longer has any family associations.

Contemporaries portrayed Watson as a kind-hearted, self-effacing and hard-working Scot, but this, in part, led to his untimely demise, aged 53. During his short lifetime, Watson designed over 430 vessels for royalty and celebrities alike – a punishing schedule, which saw him receive his last commission from the Kaiser just two days before his death.

In addition to sail and steam yachts, Watson designed passenger, cargo and mail steamers, also fishing boats, as well as many lifeboats. For more than 20 years he was the consulting naval architect for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). A handwritten notebook listing all his designs is included in the collection.

Also up for sale are a fine L Leroy & Cie 18ct gold open faced split second chronograph, presented to Watson by His Majesty King Edward VII (estimate £3,000-5,000) and a gunmetal open faced pocket watch with stop watch function, which Watson tried to present to Kaiser Willhelm II. It was returned to him with a note saying “The Kaiser is not permitted to accept gifts from commoners”. It is expected to fetch £1,000-1,500.

Other unusual items to be sold for the collection include the racing flag believed to be from The Kaiser’s yacht “Meteor II” (£400-600) and a one of Watson’s most prized possessions – a gold and crystal HMY “Britannia” cravat ring £800-1,000.