LONDON.- On Wednesday 15 December Bonhams will auction a fantastic collection of watches belonging to Dr George Fisher in their New Bond Street saleroom. This will be the second single-owner collection for sale on that day – the first being the world-renowned Haslinger Collection of Heuer watches.

Over the years Dr George Fisher has amassed a large collection of watches which give a wonderful insight into the varying styles and time periods of horology spanning almost 280 years. The auction comprises 169 wristwatches, pocket watches and clocks with highlights including a number of 18th century pair case pocket watches as well as mid 19th century minute repeaters and many examples from prolific pocket watch manufacturers. Some of the worlds most desirable and collectable watches will go under the hammer such as lot 205, a 1950s Rolex chronograph in steel (est. £18,000-22,000) and lot 251, a rare modern Patek Philippe chronograph (est. £30,000-40,000).

As well as collecting watches, Dr Fisher has devoted time to explorations in the Arctic and Antarctic. Another watch from his collection that is expected to raise a lot of interest is lot 230 a rare Patek Philippe Ref:5050 in rose gold, expected to fetch £35,000-45,000.

Also for sale on 15th December is a watch formerly owned by Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), the fashion and portrait photographer, diarist and interior designer who was added to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1970. The fine and rare 18ct Cartier gold hooded lug wristwatch is expected to fetch £3,000-4,000.

Paul Maudsley, International Director of the Watch Department comments, ”We’re honoured to have been entrusted to sell these two special single-owner collections, one that focuses on a single iconic brand the other showing the variety and depth of horology over almost 300 years , and I look forward to what will be our biggest ever watch sale.