GENEVA AUCTION 9 NOVEMBER 2019 - Tiffany stamp

[TimeLord2]

I think the basic assumption with a high-end auction house is the vetting of the piece by an expert that is for some reason given even more expertise simply by having been employed at one of these houses. Just being sold by Christie's provides a certain exclusivity to what ever is being sold. That said, how much different would it be to send ti to your local watchmaker and have them do an appraisal. Probably not much but there is that element of Je ne sait quoi. Oh, and that last phrase is probably in their marketing literature somewhere…

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

I think the basic assumption with a high-end auction house is the vetting of the piece by an expert that is for some reason given even more expertise simply by having been employed at one of these houses. Just being sold by Christie's provides a certain exclusivity to what ever is being sold. That said, how much different would it be to send ti to your local watchmaker and have them do an appraisal. Probably not much but there is that element of Je ne sait quoi. Oh, and that last phrase is probably in their marketing literature somewhere…

This isn’t my thought as well. People love to payback for reputation. Look at some of the overpriced stuff HODINKEE has sold. People will pay it juts because it’s from them. It’s an object....it is what it is regardless of who sells it. Baffles me, but to each their own.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

This isn’t my thought as well. People love to payback for reputation. Look at some of the overpriced stuff HODINKEE has sold. People will pay it juts because it’s from them. It’s an object....it is what it is regardless of who sells it. Baffles me, but to each their own.

Yes, I wrote that but I don't subscribe to this thought either. Just commenting on potential reasons for this misguided belief. Can't argue that it doesn't increase value, even if I do find the reason suspect.

[TimeLord2]

This would be the disclaimer for Sotheby's, in case you have an interest in their fine watches. This is the same reference without the T stamp (https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions...html?locale=en) it's about halfway down when you click the READ CONDITION REPORT:

"Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In other words, buyer beware.

[roh123]

Standard text anywhere. Still doesn’t take away the provenance from being sold there. They are knowledgable.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by roh123

Standard text anywhere. Still doesn’t take away the provenance from being sold there. They are knowledgable.

Can't deny it.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by roh123

Standard text anywhere. Still doesn’t take away the provenance from being sold there. They are knowledgable.

This is where our lines get crossed.
Them selling an object provides zero provenance. Provenance refers to tracing lineage, history, etc.
They are merely acting as brokers and are providing no provenance, and as the poster above has shown, aren’t even willing to represent the item as being guaranteed authentic. Still not denying that their reputation adds some value, but not sure that it’s warranted.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

This is where our lines get crossed.
Them selling an object provides zero provenance. Provenance refers to tracing lineage, history, etc.
They are merely acting as brokers and are providing no provenance, and as the poster above has shown, aren’t even willing to represent the item as being guaranteed authentic. Still not denying that their reputation adds some value, but not sure that it’s warranted.

Each to their own as said. For many it is reassuring to know the pieces went through the vetting process. I would value it if it was sold on one of the three big auction houses big sales. Not so much for AQ or smaller auction houses or their online scrap sales where they sell everything that isn’t good enough to get into the nice catalogues.