Leigh Extence
Fine Antique Clocks
Leigh Extence
I am a third-generation antique dealer based in Devon, just a few miles from where my grandparents opened their first shop in 1928. After leaving school I took up a three-year apprenticeship in clockmaking & restoration with the intention of learning as much as possible about the workings of antique clocks as well as gaining knowledge in originality of the movements, cases and dials.
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Having finished my time I was offered the position of Manager & Assistant Buyer of the Antique Clock department within Harrods in Knightsbridge where I met with a number of well-known collectors and dealers and advised in the purchase of clocks for the department.
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After a couple of years in London I was asked by the well-known leading horological dealer & author, Derek Roberts, to take on the role of his right-hand man and manager in Tonbridge, Kent. Whilst working with Derek I travelled extensively abroad dealing & advising various collectors and institutions as well as helping in the set-up of a number of the well-known Derek Roberts exhibitions. It was at this point, catching Derek's infectious enthusiasm, that my interest in research really took hold and I now have a library of over a thousand books on horology with which to turn to in my various roles.
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A number of years later a change in direction saw me move back to Devon where I opened my own showroom, having undertaken a number of exhibitions and lecture tours in Zurich.
In 2015 I closed the main showroom deciding to deal with clients by appointment, with an office in Exeter, thus leaving more time to concentrate on sourcing clocks from around the world and allowing more time for research.
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In 2018 I took over the running of Derval Antiques, the last business of Derek Roberts, and therefore completing a circle started some thirty years previously.
I also act as an horological consultant and for a number of years was the specialist, and sometime presenter, on the BBC magazine programme The Antiques Show. I am currently the antique clock consultant, valuer and cataloguer for leading provincial auctioneers Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood, having previously been asked to act as a consultant to Taunton based auctioneers Greenslade, Taylor, Hunt where I was tasked with reinvigorating the antique clock and watch department, leaving it in good health.
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In 2004 I was proud to be elected a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers being raised to the Livery in 2005.
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In 2018 I was asked to take on a role as Director of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, Chapter 195 specifically dealing with carriage clocks.
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As an avid writer I supply a number of newspapers & magazines with articles on antique clocks and other subjects allied to the antiques trade.
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I have a particular interest in the carriage clocks & life of Henri Jacot and his family and have spent a number of years researching this, using source material, with the view to publication. Much of what has been unearthed is new material and adds to the history of this great maker, his brother Julien and his nephew & successor Albert. Alongside this research I am also undertaking similar work on that of Pierre Drocourt and his son Alfred; carriage clock makers working in Paris at the same period as Jacot.
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All clocks offered for sale have been chosen for their originality, condition and appeal. All have been fully restored to the highest standards and come with a working guarantee along with a Valuation for Insurance and details of the research undertaken on each particular piece.