What is the best way to start collecting watches?
Well, they say that variety is the spice of life so just start with what you like. There are so many exciting and interesting designs to be found at auction. Perhaps the best thing to start with is something you know you’re going to wear on a daily basis, then take it from there. The great and obvious thing about watches is that they are designed to be used, so you can choose to be entirely practical about it rather than just worrying about the aesthetics.
Lot 130: Patek Philippe. An 18ct gold manual wind wristwatch, Ref. 3557, c.1968
Do I need to spend a lot of money to find something collectible at auction?
Not necessarily. For example, we have quite a variety of Cartier watches in this sale which will suit all sorts of budgets, starting with a couple of the Must de Cartier range starting around £600 estimate right the way up to the incredibly rare white gold diamond set Cartier Crash asking upwards of £45,000. One particular Must de Cartier has a beautiful and unusual Column dial and is complete with box and papers and is in lovely condition so is great value for the money for the price range. At the other end of the spectrum, we have the Cartier Crash, such a rare piece to find at auction. Both are lovely examples in their own right. You don’t have to buy only one watch; you can start with what you can afford and always add to your collection as time goes on. That’s the fun of collecting and anyway, your tastes may change.
Lot 131: Must de Cartier, Paris. A gold plated quartz wristwatch
Lot 147: Cartier. A very rare 18ct white gold and diamond set asymmetrical wristwatch
Are watches a sound investment?
In today’s market, this is a question we are asked a lot. I’d say if the last 20-30 years are anything to go by, the answer is yes- generally the value of preowned watches on the whole seems to increase year on year and whilst some areas of the market fluctuate from time to time, the popularity and demand for watches also seems to increase annually which has a knock-on effect on the price of each preowned watch.
What are the things I should be aware of if I’m buying at auction?
There are a few factors to consider- as I said before, it depends what you want the watch for; a daily wearer, a special occasion dress piece, or a gift.
However, much like anything at auction or in fact any purchase, no matter your budget, always check the condition of each piece and make sure you’re happy with what you see. Some watches come to us in immaculate condition but very often they have been used, so check the condition of the dial, the case and the movement and in some cases, the bracelet condition, clasp, and if it has box and papers. Not everything is sold as a complete set for example, but the asking price will often reflect this. Once you’ve got the hang of asking these sorts of questions, it becomes second nature.
So I’ve armed myself with the right questions, but how do I know what I should be buying at auction?
Well, the specialists and the catalogues they have produced are there to help you. A lot of what you decide to buy at auction comes down to a personal choice, but an experienced specialist will be there to guide you about the market as a whole to help you make an informed choice.
This auction will take place on Tuesday 29 November 2022
Viewing times at Roseberys:
Friday 25 November: 9.30 am – 5 pm
Sunday 27 November: 10 am – 2 pm
Monday 28 November: 9.30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 29 November: 9.30 am – 5 pm
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information
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