A WATCH that was found in a sock drawer and valued at £20,000 will go up for auction in Dorset next month.

The 17 century watch, which is in the form of a cross, was given as a confirmation present.

It will go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auctioneers on March 11 and 12.

Charterhouse Director, Richard Bromwell said: "Usually when we are working in client properties, we just find socks in sock drawers, so I was shocked to come across a little box with this amazing watch."

"Of museum quality it is phenomenal find, which if we had not looked carefully, it could have inadvertently been thrown away after the owner passed away."

Dating to the mid 17 century, the cruciform watch, made from brass in a rock crystal case and decorated with enamel, is only eight centimetres high.

The dial has a chapter ring with Roman numerals which is centred by the birth of Jesus above a vignette of Adam and Eve.

The back plate, engraved scrolling foliage, is signed Drovino A Potiers.

According to Charterhouse, the watch has survived the past 380 years in good condition, although it has lost its hand and the case is chipped.

The watch was found in a little cardboard box with a pencil inscription which read: "Lorna’s watch-clock Confirmation Present from me."

It is thought by the family to have been a present from the woman's parents around 80 years ago.

The watch was treasured and well loved, which is what led to it being hidden away in the drawer of a remote Dorset cottage for safety.

The watch is expected to sell for £20,000 in the Charterhouse two day online auction next month.