# @sothebys on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=Oh0Kdo7xvms
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/38362936-sothebys-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/de0c0bb525.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-03T14:00:50.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Sotheby's (@sothebys) — https://gondola.cc/sothebys

## Caption

A closer look at a remarkable piece of naval history: Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson’s watch, presented to him by the officers of HMS Victory on August 20, 1805. The watch reflects Nelson’s well-known belief in the importance of time and punctuality—qualities he credited with shaping his success and character.

The inscription marks a significant moment in Nelson’s career, shortly after his return from pursuing the French fleet across the Atlantic. Welcomed in Portsmouth as a national hero, he then spent a short but cherished period at Merton Place with close friends and Lady Hamilton before departing for the Battle of Trafalgar.

The watch itself is a striking example of early 19th-century craftsmanship, featuring ornate rope-twist decoration set with split pearls, enamel roundels, multiple registers—including calendar, alarm, and seconds—and a movement that plays two melodies on six bells and eleven hammers. A pierced case allows the sound of the melodies to be heard when opened, demonstrating both technical innovation and artistic refinement.

More than a functional object, the watch stands as a tribute to Nelson’s leadership, the admiration of his officers, and a pivotal moment in European history. This delightful timepiece is a highlight of the Fine Watches sale taking place at Sotheby’s London on 9 – 17 December.

Still haven’t subscribed to Sotheby’s on YouTube? ►►https://www.youtube.com/sothebys/

Want more information about the sale? ►► https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-l25713

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## Stats

- **Views:** 3,320
- **Likes:** 148
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

navalhistory, londonauctions, watchcollectors, historicalartifacts, horationelson, finehorology, maritimehistory, 18thcentury, historicaltimepieces, timepiece, antiquewatches, ageofsail, luxuryauctions, britishhistory, finewatches, sothebys, 19thcenturycraftsmanship, historyinobjects, enamelwatch, lordnelson, collectorsitem, pearlsetwatch, museumquality, complicatedwatches, britishnavy, watchcommunity, trafalgar, horationelsonswatch, watchenthusiast, hmsvictory, antiquarianhorology, nelsonlegacy

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