On 14 July 2020 Sotheby's will offer an important watch, initially owned by George III, for auction.

The history, as outlined by Sotheby's, is fascinating. It is one of the most interesting items I have read in a long time, not the least because of the Napoleonic trade blockade of the time, and the suggestions of how that might have been circumvented.

Sotheby's on the watch. https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/a-masterpiece-fit-for-a-king-george-iiis-breguet-pocketwatch

What I would love to know is how this watch left the main line of the British royal family and came to be in private ownership. In her will, Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester mentioned a gold watch given to her by her father, George III, but I am not suggesting it is this one, as I am sure he had a number and also purchased others, independently, as gifts to his children. Yet, this watch was obviously a landmark innovation. So, how and when did it leave royal ownership? I wish some more history was available!

I know a "gold" watch is probably not what everyone is interested in, but the Sotheby's item is fascinating -- or so I think! It raises so many questions!