In the wake of one of the biggest auction scandals in decades, the IDA's annual conference, held in Oxford on December 13th, 2023, focused on the role of advanced imaging technologies in fine art/collectibles forensics. Increasingly refined pXRF and MS/RTI imaging, already commonplace in the fine arts space, are proving their value in authenticating other forms of collectibles—including clocks and watches.

In addition to science- and technology-oriented talks, speakers touched on a wide range of other topics, including a lively presentation by Rev. Oliver Harrison on the fascinating history of Smiths Watches. Many watches from the IDA's own extensive collection, recently displayed at Oxford's History of Science Museum, we're available for examination throughout the conference.