Fellows to auction watches from the Queen’s goldsmith

Watches belonging to Stuart Devlin, a gold and silversmiths who held a royal warrant to supply gold and jewels to the Queen, are due to go under the hammer at Fellows in Birmingham on 24 and 29 January.

A diamond watch by Jaeger LeCoultre and a gentleman’s 18ct white gold watch by Ebel are up for auction from Devlin’s estate, and were originally given to Devlin by brands which wanted him to promote their items.

According to Fellows, Devlin (October 9, 1931- April 12, 2018), is seen as one of the most “innovative and highly regarded jewellery and silver designers of the 20th Century”, and was described by prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh, as “probably the most original and creative goldsmith of his time, and one of the greats of all time.”

Laura Bishop, watch manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are delighted to be able to begin the new year on a high with watches that belonged to such a famous jewellery designer and silversmith. Devlin’s work is incredibly influential and a part of our country’s design history.

“The watches from his estate are very appealing, both in terms of their provenance and style. It is amazing to think that these watches were worn by one of this country’s greatest designers on a regular basis. I’m sure their history will mean that they gain a lot of interest. Whoever buys these pieces is acquiring a piece of history.”