Making Things Tick In The Saleroom
July 2026
Swiss watchmaker Longines is a byword for timeless luxury and faultless accuracy. Indeed, the firm is the timekeeper of choice for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ernest Francillon, the nephew of the founder Auguste Agassiz, was a pioneer in protecting the brand from counterfeiters.
He ensured all timepieces leaving the factory were engraved with a serial number, the trade name Longines and its winged hourglass symbol.
They continue to be sought-after and prized. A fine example – an 18ct gold Longines wristwatch was the standout lot at the July jewellery, watches and silverware sale at the Somerset Auction Rooms.
The watch, which was in working order, attracted attentive bidding and sold for £2,700.
Another name synonymous with luxury watches – Rolex was also represented in the sale.
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King super-precision wristwatch, circa 1959/60 enjoyed a good deal of pre-sale interest.
It was numbered and attached to a non-original black leather strap, but included Rolex service receipts and guarantee. It sold for £1,500.
Prices of note in the jewellery section included £1,000 for a 9ct gold triple rope link necklace, £950 for an 18ct gold emerald and diamond cocktail ring, while another cocktail ring, this one featuring a ruby and diamonds, sold for £800.
An 18ct gold moonstone and old cut diamond ring, which showed some damage – a chipped diamond – went for £800.
An antique Indian kutch silver rice bowl depicting a rural hunting scene, including lions, elephants, tigers and riders on horseback sold for £850.
The next similar sale takes place on Thursday, August 6, from 10am at the salerooms at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Junction 24, North Petherton. For further information please call the saleroom on 01278 410250.
Ernest Francillon, the nephew of the founder Auguste Agassiz, was a pioneer in protecting the brand from counterfeiters.
He ensured all timepieces leaving the factory were engraved with a serial number, the trade name Longines and its winged hourglass symbol.
They continue to be sought-after and prized. A fine example – an 18ct gold Longines wristwatch was the standout lot at the July jewellery, watches and silverware sale at the Somerset Auction Rooms.
The watch, which was in working order, attracted attentive bidding and sold for £2,700.
Another name synonymous with luxury watches – Rolex was also represented in the sale.
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King super-precision wristwatch, circa 1959/60 enjoyed a good deal of pre-sale interest.
It was numbered and attached to a non-original black leather strap, but included Rolex service receipts and guarantee. It sold for £1,500.
Prices of note in the jewellery section included £1,000 for a 9ct gold triple rope link necklace, £950 for an 18ct gold emerald and diamond cocktail ring, while another cocktail ring, this one featuring a ruby and diamonds, sold for £800.
An 18ct gold moonstone and old cut diamond ring, which showed some damage – a chipped diamond – went for £800.
An antique Indian kutch silver rice bowl depicting a rural hunting scene, including lions, elephants, tigers and riders on horseback sold for £850.
The next similar sale takes place on Thursday, August 6, from 10am at the salerooms at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Junction 24, North Petherton. For further information please call the saleroom on 01278 410250.