A HOROLOGICAL haul proved to be the one to watch at auction in Lichfield, realising in excess of £10,000.

Bidding dialled up across the board for the 45 lots going under the hammer in Richard Winterton Auctioneers' Antiques & Home Sale, held online-only on April 26.

The collection, accumulated by a late Midlands horologist, dated back more than half a century and presented a fascinating insight into what makes a watchmaker tick.

There were tools for brands such as Rolex, Omega and Tissot, a huge selection of watch crystals, dials, movements and other components such as cogs, springs and crowns.

One lot of assorted parts including a case for an Omega Speedmaster made £800 and a set of Omega tools sold for £360.

Vintage cabinets totalled £700 and a watchmaker’s treadle lathe made £300.

Pocket watches and wristwatches included a 1960s Rolex Precision, which sold for £1,200, and collectable Omegas such as a Constellation – which made £400 – and a 9ct gold Omega which sold for £440.

Rolex and Tudor spare parts catalogues made £240 and a selection of watchmaker’s tools fetched £460.

“The collection all came from a house clearance which was a big job,” said auctioneer Richard Winterton.

“The solicitor even wondered if it was worth doing at all or just to get some skips in to clear the property.

“But our team got to work doing what they do best.

“After a painstaking effort to sort through and catalogue everything we had identified some wonderful vintage watchmaking tools and thousands of components.

“It was a real insight into the life of a dedicated horologist and it was fantastic to be bringing the hammer down on such results.

“The collection as a whole has realised in excess of £10,000 and just shows what can be achieved with the right expertise.”

Specialist valuations and advice on watches with Richard Winterton Auctioneers are available by appointment at The Lichfield Auction Centre from 10am-4pm on Thursdays.

Appointments for general valuations, also on Thursdays, will become available from May 6.

Telephone 01543 406124 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk to book and to arrange quotations for house clearances, downsizing and probate.

Visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk.

Pictured: Watch specialist Ben Winterton with some of the collection.