A gallery assistant holds a rare 14th century time-telling device device in Bonhams auction house on December 9, 2011 in London, England. The instrument, which dates from 1396 and was discovered in a shed in Queensland, Australia, is due to be auctioned on December 13, 2011 and is expected to fetch 200,000 GBP. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

A gallery assistant views a Thomas Tompion miniature ebony bracket clock in Bonhams auction house on December 9, 2011 in London, England. The instrument, which dates from 1693, is due to be auctioned on December 13, 2011 and is expected to fetch 180,000 GBP. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

A gallery assistant cleans a spelter and onyx mystery swinging clock next to an ormolu mantel clock in Bonhams auction house on December 9, 2011 in London, England. The French timepieces, which date from the 19th century, are due to be auctioned on December 13, 2011 in Bonhmas 'Fine Clocks and Scientific Instruments' sale. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)