Watson Alpha
The Watson Alpha is a camera listed in the saleroom record under the Watson name. Public reference data on this specific model is sparse, so detailed format and positioning claims have been omitted.
Only a single UK auction hammer result is on file for the Watson Alpha — £354 in May 2004 — which gives a reference point for what one example sold for at saleroom level rather than a reliable current market price. With just one wholesale data point, the present-day worth and resale value of a Watson Alpha in 2026 should be treated as indicative only, and a fresh sale today could differ materially depending on condition and bidder interest.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: January 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jan 2025 | £188 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 217) Title: A Watson and Sons Alpha Camera
Description:
mahogany and brass, c.1895, body VG, focussing screen intact, bellows operate, no shutter fitted, with a Watson and Sons 5x4 f/8 lens, iris works, |
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| Nov 2023 | £312 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 269) Title: A W. Watsons & Sons Alpha Half Plate Hand & Stand Camera
Description:
1898, with Taylor Hobson Cooke Series III f/6.5 7.7" brass lens, serial no. 11731, body, G-VG, roller shutter not working, lens, F, some internal |
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| Apr 2019 | £240 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 448) Title: A W. Watson & Sons Alpha Hand & Stand Camera
Description:
1892, 4¾x6¼, serial no. 9917, with Ross Rapid Symmetrical 8x5 Waterhouse stop brass lens, serial no. 40325, body, F-G, lens, VG, some light internal |
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| Mar 2014 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 25 (Lot AI_25_30374) Title: Watson & Sons Alpha
Description:
quarter-plate, quality constructed mahogany hand camera, red-brown leather bellows, brass fittings, Voigtländer Collinear III 15cm no.88347 in Kolios shutter, in very fine condition with 6 mahogany double-film holders, original Watson leather case (worn) Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 354 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23316) Title: Watson & Sons, England Alpha
Description:
quarter-plate, quality constructed mahogany hand camera, red leather bellows, brass fittings, (some restorations), non-original lens and lens board Estimate: EUR 1,892 - EUR 11,501 |
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| Feb 2004 | £334 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGIC LANTERNS (Lot 169) Title: Alpha hand camera
Description:
Alpha hand camera Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much is a Watson Alpha worth?
The only recorded UK auction hammer price on file is £354 from May 2004, so that figure is the single available reference for what one Watson Alpha has sold for at auction.
What does a Watson Alpha sell for at auction today?
There is not enough recent sales data to quote a current price or range; the lone recorded hammer result is £354 in 2004, and a fresh sale today could land above or below that depending on condition.
Is the Watson Alpha a common camera?
Based on the sales data available to us it appears infrequently, with only one logged UK auction result, suggesting it does not trade often in the saleroom.