In the age of smartphones, fitness trackers and voice assistant smart speakers, finding out the time is easier now than ever before.
So why bother wearing a watch?
A fashion statement?
Luxury watches are the ultimate accessory. Available in an endless variety of shapes, sizes and uses, the watch you wear says a lot about your personality.
An investment opportunity?
Watches can also be a fantastic investment if you know what you're looking for. A well-timed purchase can potentially clock up big money in the future.
In regards to watches as investments, Rolex and Patek Philippe dominate the market. Supply dictates the price of watches, and with waiting lists for new Rolex watches running into years, the price for vintage ones is climbing.
Expert craftsmanship?
Above all, a watch is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. As watchmakers take advantage of new technologies, we see incredibly intricate movements and complications packed into even smaller cases.
Luxury watch auctions
William George holds several luxury watch auctions every month with a range to suit every style, budget and occasion.
Whether you're looking for a dependable everyday watch, a dress watch to start conversations or one with complications to make fellow watch geeks tick.
Iconic watches
Let's run through some of the most iconic models in the history of watchmaking and those which you will often find in auction at William George.
The Rolex Submariner is the ultimate luxury watch and one entrenched in history. Launched in 1953, it was the first divers' wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres.
Although created for underwater exploration, it has become the quintessential all-rounder, found on the wrist of Steve McQueen, Robert Redford and a handful of James Bond's.
It's hard to talk about luxury watches without mentioning the Cartier Santos. In 1904, Franco-Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos told Cartier that he was struggling to check his pocket watch while flying and one of the first wristwatches was born.
The classic elegant design has captured the hearts of watch aficionados for more than a century, and its pioneering history will be remembered for many more.
View Cartier watches in auction
Another of the most famous timepieces on the planet is the Omega Speedmaster, but it's most significant accomplishment didn't take place on it. The Speedmaster's claim to fame is that it was the first watch on the moon.
If that isn't enough sci-fi for one watch, it would later prove essential in saving the 1970 Apollo 13 mission.
After informing Houston that they had a problem, the crew made three trajectory adjustments using the precise timing of the Speedmaster, allowing them to land near recovery crews in the Pacific Ocean.
You may not be thinking of blasting into space any time soon but you can discover a wide range of luxury watches in auction every month.
{{cta('1daab42c-66a3-40c2-980a-9d77470ed38c')}}