Located in the heart of Derbyshire, Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom in Etwall is not only the headquarters of our operations but also the vibrant auction house for a wide range of specialist auctions. This is where we host an exciting array of sales, from collectibles and antiques to Toys, Militaria, Coins, and much much more.
Situated within beautiful landscaped gardens in Staffordshire, Bishton Hall, a grade II listed Georgian mansion, creates the period setting to assess and showcase antiques.
Hansons Richmond builds on the success of monthly London Fine Art & Antiques sales led by a dedicated team since 2018. Situated in a highly regarded area of the capital, it offers a complete range of auction services.
Welcome to Hanson's Newark, where we honour the timeless tradition of the classic auction experience. Formerly known as Northgate Auction Rooms, we continue to uphold the old-school values of live, in-person bidding, bringing the excitement and authenticity of traditional auctions to the heart of Newark.
Nestled in West Cornwall, Hansons Auctioneers in Penzance offers a warm and welcoming environment for buyers, sellers, and collectors alike. As part of the renowned Hansons Auctioneers network, our Penzance saleroom provides a unique and personalised auction experience.
Hansons’ Kent is located close to the market town of Tonbridge in the picturesque village of Penshurst on the Kent/Sussex border. Situated in the beautiful grounds of the Penshurst Estate, we are ideally located to welcome you for valuations and sale days.
Hanson Holloway’s operates from the longest-established saleroom in the historic market town of Banbury. As well as Oxfordshire, it serves the neighbouring counties of Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.
Hanson's Hertfordshire is based in Royston and operates jewellery, fine art & collectables auctions and valuations throughout Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, including Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and North London.
Based in Woburn and Aspley Guise we hold jewellery, silver, fine collectable auctions from the Woburn Hotel. Valuations throughout Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
Hansons Norfolk is based in Roughton, North Norfolk. Just 5 miles from the seaside town of Cromer, Hansons Norfolk holds jewellery, silver, fine art and collectables auctions and valuation days as well as free home visits for larger collections.
Hansons Auctioneers is pleased to work with Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, managed by Jim Spencer. Rare Book Auctions hold dedicated monthly sales of antiquarian books, modern firsts, manuscripts, autograph letters, photographs, ephemera, prints & caricatures, and maps & globes.
A Timepiece Fit for Royalty Uncovered in Devon Attic: Rare 18th Century Pocket Watch with Royal Connections Expected to Shine in Hansons’ Spring Auction
| By Kendal Cooper
A remarkable piece of history is set to capture global attention in Hansons’ upcoming International Fine Art, Silver, Jewellery, Watches, and Antiques Auction on March 27th. This exceptional 18th-century French pocket watch, intricately crafted by renowned Master Watchmaker Jean Romilly, boasts ties to both the Royal Family and the iconic Madame de Pompadour, and is expected to fetch up to £10,000.
Charles Hanson, Owner of Hansons Auctioneers, commented: “This is an extraordinary timepiece with an incredible history. Created around 1770—almost two decades before the French Revolution—it was uncovered in the attic of a Devon home. This ruby-encrusted Parisian skeleton pocket watch was made by Jean Romilly, a celebrated watchmaker whose life story parallels the rise of the French Enlightenment. Born into a clock-making family in Geneva, Romilly became a master in Paris, forming close ties with influential figures such as philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Madame de Pompadour, the renowned mistress of King Louis XV.”
The pocket watch, featuring a tri-coloured gold case adorned with rubies and diamonds, opens to reveal a breathtaking movement framed by intricate garlands, swags, and foliage. Crafted just two decades before the outbreak of the French Revolution, it stands as a stunning example of pre-revolutionary French craftsmanship.
Charles Hanson continued, “This timepiece is not just a watch, but a true work of art—a noble relic from a bygone era. Jean Romilly’s name is synonymous with the finest watch movements of the period, and this piece perfectly exemplifies his exceptional craft. What makes it even more exciting is that the watch is accompanied by its matching stone-set key and chatelain and remains in remarkable condition. It embodies the grandeur of the Rococo period, reflecting the exuberant taste that defined 18th-century Paris, the epicenter of European luxury at the time.”
The watch comes with a fascinating provenance, having been assessed by Christie’s London in 1893, with the original notes preserved in an old envelope. Its connection to both French nobility and 18th-century intellectuals makes it a rare and highly coveted piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
The auction will take place on 27 March 2025, and with its storied history and noble origins, this pocket watch is sure to spark intense bidding interest.
