IT’S TIME to get bidding on a special watch – as long as you have between £40,000 and £60,000 to spare.

Auctioneers are hopeful that a whole lot of silver, jewellery and works of art can fetch thousands of pounds when they go under the hammer.

Dukes’ of Dorchester is holding the 1,000-lot sale on Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4.

There will be items from big names such as Cartier, Charles de Temple and Van Cleef and Arples.

The star item is a pocket watch by acclaimed watch maker William Anthony.

The watch has an estimated value of £40,000 to £60,000 – but in a 2011 Treasures from the Summer Palace auction, Duke’s sold another for £160,420, and a lot of excitement is building over the auction.

Duke’s watch and clock specialist Deborah Doyle described this watch as a fine example of Anthony’s work.

She said: “William Anthony was reputed to have been one of the most expert watchmakers of his time and this very fine example of his work is no exception. Not only did William Anthony put his skill in to the movement of a watch, he also applied exquisite detail to the exterior, decorating the reverse of many cases with large diamond pearls and enamel.

Anthony worked in London in the late 18th century and specialised in watches for the Chinese market.His watches are still sought after by the Chinese market to this day and the watch was viewed at Duke’s recent Asian Art auction and the there was a lot of excitement from the international market over the watch.

The sale takes place over two days with a range of Christmas gifts available to accommodate all budgets.

Viewing on items is this Saturday 9am-noon, Monday, 9am-5pm, Tuesday 9am-7pm and Wednesday, 9am-5pm.

There will also be a chance to view items on the morning of the sale.

For more information, contact Duke’s on 01305 265 080 or email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com.