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Content accurate at time of publication
01 Dec 2011
HELEN DALLEY witnessed frenzied bidding and world-record breaking prices at Sotheby’s ultimate auction of the season.
There’s a tangible buzz of anticipation in the air at Sotheby’s Important Watches Autumn Sale at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Attendees range from your typical middle-aged men to the unexpected, like the young girl sitting next to me, sporting aviator shades, boots and a mini dress. But all eyes are on auctioneer Tim Bourne, Sotheby’s worldwide head of its watches department, as he introduces the pieces. Two screens clearly display pictures of the lots and prices in 16 currencies, and tens of thousands of US dollars are added to popular lots in a matter of seconds: a tourbillon from Richard Mille, for example, gallops easily from its reserve price of US$57,858 to US$100,000, comfortably exceeding its HK$87,430 (US$11,281) estimate. A few lots later, a gentleman behind me raises his paddle to bid on a Patek Philippe Dual Time, only to be swiftly overtaken by a determined phone bidder. Not that it seems to bother him: The enthusiastic collector continues bidding till he’s acquired at least four new timepieces.
One piece that eludes him though is a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, an extremely rare pink gold perpetual calendar that’s been in a private collection for over 30 years. As the lot flashes on the screen, the room descends into reverential silence as attendees contemplate the exquisite watch. Before long, two phone bidders are engaged in a fierce bidding war, with the gavel finally coming down at US$712,311. Excitement also mounts when two world auction record prices are set – both for Patek Philippe timepieces.
While attending an auction just for the experience is exhilarating in itself, serious bidders are urged to plan ahead. Bourne’s advice: “Check out the lots beforehand and get to know the in-house specialists, who can tell you about the ones you’re interested in. On the day itself, enjoy the atmosphere and observe the ways people bid, and their different characters. And wear a bright colour – that will certainly get the auctioneer’s attention.”
AUCTIONS AROUND THE WORLD
OLD MASTER AND BRITISH PAINTINGS
London, Dec 7
On the block: diverse works, including a pair of paintings by German neoclassical painter Johann Zoffany expected to fetch £6-8 million (US$9.6-12.8 million).
sothebys.com
THE COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR: LEGENDARY JEWELS
New York, Dec 13-14
Over 260 pieces including those from Bulgari, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, estimated to sell for over US$30 million.
christies.com
THE LAS VEGAS MOTORCYCLE SALE
Las Vegas, Jan 12
Rare, collectible bikes from every era from the world’s leading automotive auctioneer.
bonhams.com
ILLUSTRATION SHYAM DESHPANDE
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