This weekend sees the first of the 2012 'Important Watch' auctions held bi-annually in Geneva, Switzerland (May & November).
More than 1250 lots will be auctioned over 3 days with public viewings held from Friday to Sunday, & the auction schedule as follows :-
More than 1250 lots will be auctioned over 3 days with public viewings held from Friday to Sunday, & the auction schedule as follows :-
- Antiquorum - May 13, 2012 at the Grand Hotel Kempinski
- Christies - May 14, 2012 at the 4 Seasons, Hotel Des Bergues
- Sothebys - May 15, 2012 at 13 Quai Du Mont Blanc
The November 2011 Geneva auctions saw a record of $50 million achieved by the 3 auction houses over 3 days, with an incredible $29 million coming on the final day in a 9 hour stint by Aurel Bacs of Christies who advised ‘they had never seen such intense buying activity’.
Highlights of the November 2011 auctions included:-
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| Vintage Rolex ref.8382 in 18k Yellow fold with Cloisonne Dial feat. Neptune - REALISED 609,000 CHF |
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| Vintage Patek Philippe ref. 3448 in 18k Rose Gold - REALISED 2,099,000CHF |
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| Vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 from the 007 Movie Live & Let Die - REALISED 219,000 CHF |
Whether the total sales record will be surpassed again this time remains to be seen, as despite the number of lots available, there is not quite the same apparent quality in volume of available this time in my opinion. Not particularly surprising given that the demand for investment grade vintage watches from established & new collectors in the last year (especially vintage Patek Philippe & Rolex) has been quite exceptional & is maybe now creating a shortage of vintage watches at the higher end.
From the viewings made to date, here are a few of my personal favourites, all again from Christies who are currently leading the way in terms of quality.
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| Vintage Rolex ref. 8171 Padellone in Steel |
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| Vintage Rolex ref. 971 Prince in Platinum |
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| Vintage Patek Philippe ref. 3448/6 in 18k White Gold |
The weekend also provides a great opportunity to catch up with collectors & dealers from around the world & view some of the rarest watches that are held in private collections.
Stayed tuned for further updates on the Vintage-DB blog over the next few days, and results of the important lots starting with Antiquorum on Sunday via http://twitter.com/#!/VintageDB
Do you have an original vintage Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega or Blancpain watch you are looking to sell, value or just share your story? Please contact Daniel Bourn via sales@vintage-db.com or tel. +44 7977 469 568.
