'Horological masterpieces' snapped up at Sotheby's in Geneva
Two watches made by Isle of Man based watchmakers - and described as ‘horological masterpieces’ - have been sold for more than three million dollars.
The pieces - created by the late George Daniels and his protégé Roger W Smith – have been bought by collectors at Sotheby’s in Geneva.
The white gold ‘Millenium’ wristwatch – which was completed in 2001 – achieved more than double its pre-auction estimate of $1 million, selling for $2.4 million.
The other timepiece, a ‘Co-Axial anniversary’ watch in yellow gold, fetched more than $819,000.
Mr Smith, who has a workshop in Sulby, spoke to Manx Radio’s Simon Richardson:
It’s believed both watches were bought by a collector from the UAE after a hotly contested bidding process.