Biography
Jonathon Burford is Senior Vice President and Senior Watches Specialist at Sotheby’s, based in Los Angeles. He leads the Watches department’s operations on the West Coast of the United States. Since 2022, his role has expanded to include strategic oversight of Sotheby’s Luxury Division across the West Coast.
Originally from London, England, Burford holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics. He began his career in the vintage automotive world, working at Goodwood before serving as Commercial Director of the UK-based Supercar Club. He transitioned into the horological field in 2009, becoming Head of Watches at London-based advisory Privatus, and subsequently built a reputation as an advisor, dealer, and appraiser. He has also written and presented extensively on the subject of watches.
In 2015, Burford relocated to California and joined an international auction house as their Senior Watch Specialist before moving to Sotheby’s in 2019. He is a regular contributor to publications such as Magneto Magazine and was appointed to the jury of the 2025 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
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