‘Space Traveller I’ watch goes on public view for first time in UK

One of the most “technically accomplished” watches by watchmaker George Daniels, the Space Traveller I, is set to go on public view for the first time in the UK on Friday 28 June.

Estimated to be worth as much as £1m, the watch will be offered in Sotheby’s ‘George Daniels Visionary’ sale on 2 July, the first in four auctions dedicated to the ‘Masterwork of Time’ Collection, which the auctioneer said is one of the “most important” collections of timepieces remaining in private hands.

Daniels completed the Space Traveller I in 1982 to commemorate the 1969 American moon landing – an event which he said left a great impression on his life. The watch was described by Daniels as “the kind of watch you would need on your package tour to Mars”.

A statement by Sotheby’s read: “Widely regarded as the greatest watchmaker of the 20th Century, Daniels worked entirely alone to create his exceptional watches and serving as an inspiration to numerous young aspiring independent watchmakers today. The Space Traveller is the most revered of the mere 23 pocket watches during his lifetime.”