Market research firm GFK data has found that the UK market for watches over £1,000 grew 14.9 percent in January 2019.

The market also saw double digit growth in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Swiss made high end watches still command a higher value due to complication of movement, materials used in the case, strap or embellishment such as previous gems and provenance of the brand.

Leigh Jones, business development manager at John Pye Luxury, said: "The auction market serves as a quality stamp, raising awareness and underpinning the history and marketing of the brands. Spending thousands of poun...