Unique watch stolen from museum in Northampton

This pocket watch, worth £500, was stolen from the 78 Derngate museum in Northampton between Friday October 16 and Saturday October 17.

Northamptonshire Police are investigating after a historic gold pocket watch was stolen during a burglary at 78 Derngate in Northampton.

The burglary happened between 5.30pm on Friday October 16 and 9am on Saturday October 17 when the offender(s) broke into the museum and memorial to the architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Once inside, they made their way into the office then forced open a safe and stole £300 in cash as well as the unique nine carat gold pocket watch, which is worth £500 and has great historical value.

The watch is described as a slim art-deco gents’ open face pocket watch with silvered dial which has an engine turned centre, black Arabic numerals, blue steel “Poire” hands and subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock.

The inscription on the back of the watch reads: "To William Rowe, an appreciation of 25 years loyalty and friendship from W.J Bassett-Lowke. H.F.R Franklin Christmas 1925."

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident, who may have been offered a similar pocket watch for sale in unusual circumstances or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of 78 Derngate, between the stated times.”

Anyone who may have any information regarding this incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 20000547535. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.