NZ auctions of rare timepieces ticking up a global stir

Multimedia journalist·NZ Herald·

7 Sep, 2015 05:00 PM2 mins to read

The Webb's auctions this month and in November will appeal to serious collectors.

An antique collection steeped in time will go up for auction in New Zealand later this month and is expected to generate huge interest, both here and overseas.

The treasure trove of late European collector Sierd Bouma - consisting of 360 pieces of antique and vintage horological timepieces - will be put under the hammer by New Zealand auction house Webb's on September 19.

The collection includes antique gold and silver pocket watches, ship chronometers, 19th century carriage clocks and vintage wristwatches.

Mr Bouma's lifetime collection was inherited by his family when he passed away.

The auctioneers believe it is the largest and most important single vendor collection to be sold in New Zealand and said it would receive interest from both national and international collectors.

"This auction is a must for all dealers, collectors and enthusiasts of horological pieces - as well as anyone who wants to experience this very unique and special collection."

A piece from Sierd Bouma's collection of antique and vintage horological timepieces.

Some of the Rolex vintage wristwatches in the collection are said to very similar to those worn by Sean Connery in the 1960s James Bond films.

Mr Bouma was born in Friesland - a province of the Netherlands - in 1923 and lived in Holland during World War II under German occupation. His fascination with electronics started at a young age, when he and his father built and hid a crystal radio set from the Germans so they could listen to news reports.

Mr Bouma, the second oldest of eight children, is said to have had a thirst for knowledge of how things worked - from clocks, nautical instruments and radios, to gramophones and cameras.

He formed his large collection of antique timepieces over a 60-year period.