] According to one source I found, you could buy a silver watch (medium quality probably) in mid-17th century for 5 Guineas, that is £5 5s.

] If on the other hand you already had a watch, and was going to duel, you could instead buy yourself a siver hilted sword.

] Or if you were so disposed, again according to the same source,
] you could spend the money on a night out, including supper, a bath and a fashionable courtesan.

] I'm not sure about the inflation during late 1700s, but it looks like watches may well have been affordable for the middle classes in Jane Austen's time.

] What was it Jane's pianoforte cost? Can't remember now.

] Leif Gn