Timepieces Take Center Stage in Upcoming Pocket Watch Auctions

The first auction to close this week is the Ottawa event on December 8, where a pocket watch by Henry Birks & Sons will be offered alongside a varied selection of objects. Though the sale is not solely dedicated to timepieces, the inclusion of this watch highlights the growing appeal of pocket watches within broader auctions. Two days later, on December 10, Osenat will run a dedicated pocket watch auction in Paris. Organisers have assembled a range that spans the 18th to early 20th centuries, featuring both elegant civilian pieces and robust military examples, underscoring a collector focus on historic craftsmanship and provenance.

The mid‑month spotlight falls on JD's Pocket Watch Collector's Auction, scheduled for December 14. This sale is positioned as a specialist gathering for enthusiasts, promising a curated array of rare pocket watches that emphasize intricate mechanisms and period authenticity. Finally, Gardiner Houlgate’s Specialist Watch Auction slated for 2026 will close the series. While the catalogue includes modern wristwatches, the pocket watch segment is expected to be a major draw, offering items from the late through the early, with a notable presence of military‑issue models that have historically sold out quickly.

Across these events, a clear trend emerges: collectors are increasingly seeking vintage pocket watches that combine historical significance with fine engineering, and auction houses are responding by dedicating entire sales or prominent sections to these timeless pieces. International interest is especially strong for the military and early industrial examples, suggesting that the pocket watch market will continue to expand as both a niche and a mainstream segment of horological collecting.

Based on 4 digest summaries · Generated December 6, 2025

JD's Auctions @jdsauctions

December 5, 2025 —

JD's Auctions has several upcoming events that promise a diverse selection of items for bidders. On December 7, 2025, the Matlock Estate Auction will take place online, featuring a variety of estate items from Talbot, TN. Following that, the Wood Estate Auction will be held on December 8, 2025, also online, showcasing collectibles from Knoxville, TN. For those interested in timepieces, the Pocket Watch Collector's Auction is scheduled for December 14, 2025, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire exquisite pieces. JD's Auctions specializes in estate sales, real estate, fine art, estate jewelry, coins, and firearms, making it a go-to destination for both buyers and sellers in Tennessee. For more information on these auctions and future events, please visit their website or contact them directly.

Michael Spooner Auctions

November 20, 2025 —

Michael Spooner Auctions will hold an Estate Auction on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the St. Elias Centre, located at 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa. The preview for this event will take place on the same day from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Featured items include a stunning 14K gold triple Canadian diamond ring, a large limited edition Lladro figurine titled "Girl with Mandolin," and a Richard A. Vickerson watercolor. Additional highlights are a 14K gold pocket watch by Henry Birks & Sons, a signed letter of state from King Louis XVI of France, and an 18K gold emerald and diamond band. Spooner Auctions specializes in a diverse range of items, including fine arts, jewellery, silver, and collectibles. For more information and to explore the full catalogue, visit their website.

Gardiner Houlgate @GardHoulgate

November 20, 2025 —

Gardiner Houlgate will host a Specialist Watch Auction on February 24 and 25, 2026. This auction will feature a diverse selection of vintage and modern wristwatches from esteemed brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and Jaeger LeCoultre, as well as pocket watches dating from the 18th to early 20th century. Collectors and enthusiasts can look forward to a well-curated array of timepieces, with military issue examples often included. The auction promises to attract international interest, particularly in the pocket watch section, which has a history of selling out. For those interested in participating, further details and updates can be found on the Gardiner Houlgate website.

Osenat

December 6, 2025 —

Osenat is hosting several auctions in December 2025, showcasing a diverse range of items. The auction titled "L'Empire a Fontainebleau - Collection Collard" will take place on December 6 and 7 in Fontainebleau, featuring historical pieces from the Haute Epoque. On December 8, an auction dedicated to fashion and luxury will be held online, followed by a pocket watch auction on December 10 in Paris. The week continues with a furniture and decorative arts auction on December 13 in Fontainebleau, and "Les Ecrins de Versailles" on December 14 in Versailles. Additionally, collectors can look forward to a collection of wines and spirits available online from December 11 to 15, and a Christmas auction focused on table arts on December 16 in Paris. For those interested in classic cars, an auction will also take place on December 15 in Fontainebleau. Osenat offers a rich selection of art and collectibles, inviting enthusiasts to explore their upcoming events.