A 19th century enameled pocket watch originally made for the Chinese market ignited a bidding war earlier this week at Antiquorum’s auction in Geneva, where it wound up selling for $788,300, nearly three times its high estimate. Chinese collectors vied with buyers from around the world for the 3 hammer and 3 gong minute repeating timepiece known as “Venus & Cupid—An Allegory of Love.” All told, the March 12th sale of 477 collectible timepieces brought in $6.8m.Several other 19th century items originally crafted for the Chinese market also exceeded Antiquorum’s expectations. A gold and enamel singing bird snuff box with concealed watch, attributed to Freres Rochat and produced in 1815, sold for over twice its high estimate, or $389,500, which another Freres Rochat timepiece, a singing bird box with music and repeating watch brought in $235,000. Even more unusual novelties sold well, witness the $128,500 a collector paid for a belt buckle watch with matching shoe buckles. That was almost double the item’s low estimate.
$788,300 For 19th Century Pocket Watch
March 14, 2012
James Dean Watch In Hong Kong Auction
June 10, 2013A retro pocket watch isn’t the sort of accessory one would naturally associate with screen rebel James Dean. Nonetheless, the movie icon regarded a gold-filled timepiece made by the Standard Watch Co., with a movement by Elgin, as his good luck charm. It was his first major purchase, which he acquired as a 21-year old struggling actor in New York, and he insisted on wearing it, against the objections of director Elia Kazan, in “East of Eden.” When it comes up for sale at an Antiquorum auction in Hong Kong on June 22, the watch is expected to sell for $5,000-$10,000.
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A. Lange & Sohne Sets Record In Geneva
March 19, 2013It’s a rare vintage watch auction these days in which Patek Philippes don’t carry the day. One such sale occurred this week at Geneva, however, where Antiquorum offered a selection of classic and modern timepieces to more than 454 registered bidders from around the world. Top honors went to a limited edition A. Lange & Sohne Pour Le Merite Tourbillion wristwatch, which sold for $357,086. It was a new world auction record for the watchmaker.
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Once Again, Patek Phillipe Scores Record Price
April 27, 2012Antiquorum thought they might get $800,000 for a rare platinum Patek Phillipe at its auction this week in New York, but following spirited bidding an American buyer paddled down $902,500, the highest price ever paid for a single dial Patek Philippe Ref. 3974. Several other Patek Phillipes at the sale also achieved record prices.
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Rising Value of Unrestored Cars
By Malcolm Welford, Vintage Car Specialist
