Homeowners who tore apart their bathroom to tackle their problematic plumbing found a pocket watch behind the toilet - which could be worth thousands of pounds.

The unnamed residents used three angle-grinders to access behind the cistern at the property in Berkshire - where they found the valuable item.

It is thought the 14-carat gold Victorian pocket watch was hidden by the house's previous owners, who died 15 years ago, auctioneers Dawsons said.

The current owners have lived in the Reading house for two years and had no reason to take the bathroom apart - until recent plumbing issues began.

Not knowing if the jewellery was anything important and unable to open the pocket watch, the new owner brought it to Dawsons, whose head of jewellery Nicky Houston immediately recognised it as significant.

Upon opening the watch, Ms Houston established that it was produced by the esteemed French watchmaker Le Phare - and valued it at up to £3,000. 

This pocket watch is a prime example of a ‘complication watch’ - a watch that features more that just a clock, such as a calendar and a chronograph.

Commenting on the discovery, Ms Houston said: “This was a fantastic find and shows you never really know what may be hidden in the fabric of your house…for the client it was like winning the lottery!”

When asked what they might do with the proceeds from the auction, the seller replied: “Buy a new bathroom!”

The pocket watch will be offered in Dawsons Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver sale on September 25 at 9.30am.

A guide price has been set between £2,000 and £3,000.