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George III's watch for auction Posted by Beth on July 10, 2020, 5:56 pm 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!

Fascinating.... Posted by Janet on July 10, 2020, 9:53 pm, in reply to "George III's watch for auction" I had no idea that George III had such a strong interest. Such a shame this watch isn't in the Royal Collection or even at the National Maritime museum with other watches associated with John Harrison.

Re: George III's watch for auction Posted by Dave on July 11, 2020, 3:18 am, in reply to "George III's watch for auction" Very interesting. George 111 was noted to be a very intelligent and advanced Monarch who was also believed to be mad having lost his American states during the war for Independence following the Tea/ Tax revolt of his own subjects. His collection of Arts is among the greatest of all Monarchs wise and this watch basically confirms his great and exceptional tastes. Maybe someone may buy it for the nation but the RC from what I have heard is bursting at the seams and may not want for anything more. The watch is beautiful though. Regards, Dave. Previous Message 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!

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