Auction Catalogues

A place to discuss other watch-brands
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Robin CB
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Auction Catalogues

Post by Robin CB »

I thought a little Sunday morning watch porn would interest ....

I found this place through awatchtoblog and spent a number of hours browsing the online catalogues - http://www.watchesofknightsbridge.com/buying.html

There is some very tempting stuff out there - anyone any experience of this firm or old-fashioned auctions in general?
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Paul Drawmer
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Re: Auction Catalogues

Post by Paul Drawmer »

Funny you should post this.
Yesterday I went to a local exhibition of Quaker Clocks. In this area in there was a strong tradition of Quaker clock making and there were about 50 assorted clocks on show. Mostly 'hoop and spike' type.

There was also a small display by Bonhams and i came away with a 2010 catalogue for their auction that was on Dec 15 2010.

Wonderful pictures of amazing watch porn! including wrist and pocket watches and some very fancy winders.
There's always time for one more.
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Dancematt
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Re: Auction Catalogues

Post by Dancematt »

Follow watches of knightbridge and fellows everytime they do a watch auction. Have considered going to a woK auction but somethings always come up. Always factor in the cost of a service with these things plus the auction houses cut (19% or around there if I recall?) So you hardly ever get a bargain. I will go to one one day though.
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Re: Auction Catalogues

Post by gweilgi »

While I have no personal experiences with the firm you referenced, they do not have a good reputation among watch dealers in general. I couldn't say if this is based in fact, though.

Generally speaking, I have bought at auction from the big three (Christie's, Sothebys and Bonhams) as well as a German specialist horological auctioneer, Dr Crott:

http://www.uhren-muser.de/

Overall, my experience has been good. To be sure, bargains are extremely unlikely, but good value can be found. An auction will often list watches that are unworn or hardly used, frequently with box and papers. Owners in difficulties may sell up some pieces, or a watch may have been an unwanted present. Expect to pay around half of retail price including the auctioneer's premium and VAT. If buying at a Geneva or New York auction, don't forget that you will have to arrange for shipping and may face possible charges by Customs. The advantage here for the private buyer is that the professional dealers will not be willing to bid as high because they have to price in their own margin.

Even if you do not want to buy, auction previews are excellent opportunities to handle and examine watches. How often do we get the chance to hold and view in detail pieces by AHCI members, rare vintage watches or top of the range pieces by the big Swiss makers?

Alex
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Robin CB
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Re: Auction Catalogues

Post by Robin CB »

Thanks guys, especially Alex (Dr Crott is most interesting)

I have enjoyed browsing the catalogues and must get up to a sale preview some time - if I can combine it with a visit to The Smoke.

I guess the pros and cons are very much like any auction, but safer than e-bay for interesting pieces.
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Re: Auction Catalogues

Post by Dancematt »

Robin CB wrote:Thanks guys, especially Alex (Dr Crott is most interesting)

I have enjoyed browsing the catalogues and must get up to a sale preview some time - if I can combine it with a visit to The Smoke.

I guess the pros and cons are very much like any auction, but -bay for interesting pieces.
Especially Rolex ;) - might actually be able to get a baargain base rolex at auction as UK prices are over inflated.
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