Q: What brought you to the world of auctions?

A: I did some work experience while at university for a large auction house in the Midlands, before joining them full time, eventually heading up their watch department. I then experienced a different side of the industry when I went to work in the buying and selling of pre-owned watches in a major retailer before returning to auctions by joining Kinghams in 2024.

Q: So, what got you into watches in the first place?

A: Watches and clocks were always fascinating to me growing up. The mechanical elements drew me in while the social, economic and environmental reasons for the development of timekeeping kept me hooked.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?

A: Many things: It sounds very cliché, but every day is different, you never quite know what you will see that day – the thrill of the potential discovery. I also enjoy that you’re always learning on the job. Finally, the atmosphere on the day of an auction is always exciting.

Q: What’s the most exciting watch you’ve handled at auction?

A: That’s a good question! We’ve had the pleasure of handling a wonderful selection of vintage pieces and a couple of very interesting historical pieces. For example, we sold a beautiful Rolex Bubbleback owned by Sir Stanford Cooper FCA of the Ford Motor Company and most recently a pocket watch with engraving indicating a link to the SY Aurora, a ship tasked by Ernest Shackleton to setup up supply depots for his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

Q: Any advice for someone thinking about selling their watch?

A: Get an up to date current selling estimate first, the market has been tumultuous over the past few years with world events and consumer trends having a huge effect on value. We’ve seen some very bullish highs and then corresponding drops in value on some previous blue-chip models. Also, don’t assume it has to be a well-known brand to have value with buyers. Condition, rarity, and provenance can be just as important.

Q: Is it hard to sell a watch through auction with Kinghams?

A: Not at all! We make the process of selling through auction as simple as possible. Just send us photos and any information about your watch and we will be back in touch within 72 hours with an estimate or simply pop into our offices on a Tuesday for a valuation. If you decide to sell, we handle everything, from the cataloguing and research to professional photography and promotion, right up to the fall of the hammer.

Q: What makes selling a watch through an auction house different from selling it online yourself?

A: Two big things: trust and exposure. Buyers feel confident bidding with us because we verify authenticity and condition. Plus, we have a great number of buyers — collectors we have built up long term relationships with who know what they’re looking for and will bid accordingly to acquire it.

Q: And finally — what's your everyday watch of choice?

A: Depends on the day! I have a classic TAG Heuer 2000 Series as the beater of choice, reliable movement and a robust case. I am also fortunate to own an Omega F300 and find the hum of its tuning fork movement quite relaxing.