Watches and Wristwatches auction organized by Bonhams included an exclusive selection of 232 pieces from the best watch brands chosen according to their condition, rarity and quality. Total sale including buyer’s premium : 574 642 $ USD, selling nearly 80% of the lots presented.
BEST RESULTS
Lot 70 : Rolex, ref. 1675, model GMT Master, a stainless steel automatic two time zone wristwatch with ‘Pepsi’ bezel, sold for 15 438 $ USD.
Lot 213 : Rolex, ref. 118205, model Day Date, an 18K rose gold automatic wristwatch with day and date indication, sold for 15 438 $ USD.
BEST PERFORMANCES
Lot 20 : S. Smith & Sons, an 18K gold keyless wind open face Class A Kew Observatory quality pocket watch, or 382% of variation between the low estimate and the final result (4 388 $ USD).
Lot 118 : Piaget, a lady’s 18K gold, diamond and malachite manual wind wristwatch, or 311% variation between the low estimate and the final result (7 800 $ USD).
Lot 227 : Omega, ref. 35658000, model Speedmaster Professional, a limited edition stainless steel manual winding chronograph wristwatch (1965-2005 First Space Walk 40th anniversary),or 311% variation between the low estimate and the final result (7 800 $ USD).
BREAKDOWN BY BRANDS
Rolex
On the first step of the podium, with two watches exceeding 15 000 $ USD, average per lot 5 722 $ USD. A result that is based on the two highest auctions of the sale with lots 70 and 213.
Omega
On the second step of the podium, with three watches above 7 000 $ USD, average per lot 2 549 $ USD.
Patek Philippe
On the third step of the podium, with two watches exceeding 8 000 $ USD, average per lot 4 719 $ USD.
These three brands represent a total revenue of 279 332 $ USD, or nearly 50% of the total sale.
AVERAGE PRICE PER LOT
Considering the number of lots, 232 in total, including 48 unsold lots, the average price of a lot was 3 123 $ USD.
CONCLUSION
This first autumn auction confirms the supremacy of Rolex in the field of modern andvintage watches. On the whole, Omega brand is present with sustained results with a market-consistent average price per lot. Note that the surprise came from the Piagetbrand with a result that gives the trend on the market for vintage women’s watches. The final total result and average value per lot is an indicator confirming that these mid-range auctions are destined in the future to be done online only.
