With auction prices soaring, it’s definitely a good time for an auction house to be offering rare timepieces by the world’s best independent watchmakers. So I was pleased to see one of George Daniels’ Millennium wristwatches come up at next week’s sale at Bonhams.
George Daniels Millennium wristwatch on the wrist (photo courtesy Bonhams)
The 37 unique pocket watches Daniels made over the course of his lifetime are special because they were manufactured by the master’s own two hands and because each one represented a new technical experiment. The Millennium timepiece is extraordinary in that light because it was the only timepiece he made in a small series. But also because of the movement inside it, which was not made by Daniels (though it was heavily modified by him).
George Daniels Millennium wristwatch (photo courtesy Bonhams)
In 1999, acceding to the wishes of some of Daniels’ own friends and clients to own a timepiece signed by him, Daniels created the 37 mm Millennium wristwatch, a series of 50 pieces based on an Omega ébauche containing the first Omega-produced, extra-flat, co-axial escapement, which Daniels invented.
Daniels knew that he would need help to complete this series, and independent English watchmaker Roger Smith – the only “apprentice” Daniels ever took – was the obvious choice. The pair made these Millennium watches over a three-year period, which they finished in the ornate English style.
Millennium timepieces have occasionally shown up at auction, with Sotheby’s setting a record for the sale of one at its April 2017 auction when a white gold model sold for £187,500 including buyer’s premium. Only two or three of the 50 were made in white gold (sources vary).
Previously, Sotheby’s had sold four Millennium watches in the November 2012 sale of The George Daniels Horological Collection: a prototype, two yellow gold versions, and one white gold model. At that time, the prototype hammered for £91,250; the white gold model went for £145,250; and the two yellow gold variations went for £85,250 and £115,250 respectively (all including buyer’s premium).
In September 2017, a yellow gold version appeared at Sotheby’s carrying an estimate of £80,000-£120,000; it sold for £200,000 including commission.
George Daniels Millennium wristwatch (photo courtesy Bonhams)
And now a yellow gold example has turned up at Bonhams carrying an estimate of £250,000 – £300,000, which isn’t unreasonable in today’s watch auction climate. According to Bonhams, it is the ninth watch produced in the series.
For more information on the sale, which begins on June 16, 2021, please see www.bonhams.com/auctions/26684/lot/45.
Quick Facts George Daniels Millennium wristwatch
Case: 37 mm, yellow gold
Dial: silver-plated gold, guilloche, handmade, gold hands
Movement: automatic Omega ébauche containing the Omega-produced, extra-flat, co-axial escapement invented by George Daniels, modified by Daniels and Smith, gold-plated, engraved and guilloche, 18-karat gold rotor
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; date
Production year: 1999
Remark: accompanied by provenance letter dated February 28, 2014 and correspondence from George Daniels dated 1999 and 2007
Auction estimate: £250,000 – £300,000
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I have to say, even in the highest of high end collections, this is a stand-out piece. It’s a shame it will probably hardly see the light of day except for a few very special occasions, but this is one wristwatch which must be kept pristine. I hope the owner will donate this to an appropriate museum in time.
Hi Tam: FWIW, I own another of these Daniels Millennium, and I wear it regularly. Dr. Daniels was quite clear and ‘on the record’ in his personal opinion that he disliked collectors who bought his watches and then kept them pristine in bank vaults. He really did not think of, or view, his watches as museum pieces – he very much wanted his watches worn (and enjoyed) regularly! Best regards, Todd
Todd, I believe I would be very jealous of your watches! And I agree with you: George wanted his watches worn. There is no doubt in my mind that that is what they were for to him. Wear it in good health, it’s a beauty!
As far as I am concerned I see Co-axial watches or the movements (used by Omega) as THE opportunity to wear a part of watchmaking history and the genius of George Daniels on the wrist. The movements and so many other co-axial escapements represent the legacy of George Daniels and his historical contribution to watchmaking.
Everyone that cannot buy the very limited and premium G.D. wrist- or pocket-watches can feel the brain of the maker and inventor in a watch mentioned above. I wonder why so few people see the world under this perspective.
Thank you very much for you article about this historical wristwatch dear Elizabeth. It is fantastic. Greetings, Thomas
Thank you as ever, Thomas!