It seems sometimes that the phrase 'The Father of ....'can be used too freely, but when it comes to horology there is no dispute that Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) really was the father of English clockmaking. From humble beginnings – it's believed he may have worked in a smithy – Tompion rose to the pinnacle of his profession, created timepieces for some the greatest and most powerful figures of the day, including four British monarchs, and on his death was buried in Westminster Abbey. A rare Tompion table clock that has been owned by the same Dutch family since the late 19th century leads Bonhams' Fine Clocks sale in London on Wednesday 16 December. It is estimated at £120,000-180,000.

Bonhams Director of Fine Clocks, James Stratton, said: "This clock is one of a rare group of mid-size Phase Two table clocks produced by Tompion between 1691 - 1711. It dates from almost exactly the mid-point in the production of this size of clocks and carries the special spandrel reserved for this model, the so called 'Ornate Cherubs Head'. In many respects a textbook example of a Tompion Phase Two table clock, it is in beautiful condition and has wonderful provenance."

In June 2019, Bonhams sold Tompion's Q clock made for King William and Queen Mary, for £1,935,063. Part of the Clive Collection of Exceptional Clocks, the Q clock is the most valuable Tompion timepiece ever sold at auction.

Other highlights include:

• A fine and rare late 17th century ebony quarter repeating table clock with alarm by Joseph Knibb, London. Estimate £30,000-50,000.

• A fine and rare second half of the 19th century French ormolu month-going, perpetual calendar centre-seconds table regulator with barometer, twin thermometers and moonphase indication by le Roy & Fils, Palais Royal, Gal(er)ie. Montpensier 13 & 15, Paris. Estimate: £12,000-18,000.

• A very fine and rare early 19th century French ormolu mounted white marble, quarter chiming, centre seconds table regulator with full annual calendar. Grand Homme á Versailles. Estimate: £10,000-15,000.

Thomas Tompion was born in 1639, the son of a blacksmith. During his lifetime, he enjoyed the patronage of four successive English sovereigns: Charles II, James II, William III & Mary II, and Queen Anne. He also created clocks for Kings Charles III and Philip V of Spain, Leopold I, the Holy Roman Emperor, and Cosimo III de Medici – becoming the most celebrated clock and watch maker in the known world. His clocks are famous for the ingenuity of their design, and their mechanical complexity and sophistication. He died in 1713 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His legacy as the Father of English Clock Making endures to this day.