Auction season is kicking off so we thought it would be great to talk to an expert about the watch auction market in this episode. Sam Hines, Sotheby’s watch auctioneer extraordinaire, took precious time out of his busy schedule to give us the lowdown on the market, tips of the trade, and anecdotes about his most sensational lots. If you’ve ever had questions about how auctions work, this is one episode you shouldn’t miss.
Sam also ran through some of the highlights of the upcoming Sotheby’s Hong Kong Important Watches Spring Sale 2019. The auction will take place on April 3rd, 2019 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and preview starts today March 29 until April 2nd.
The sale is led by a rare Patek Philippe ref. 2499 first series in yellow gold but the auction also features timepieces from leading manufacturer such as Vacheron Constantin, Cartier and Piaget.
Independent watchmakers are also well represented with the presence of watches from George Daniels, Laurent Ferrier and Kari Voutilainen.
Visit Sotheby’s website here to learn more about the sale.
Show Notes
(01:01) Our conversation with Sam Hines, International Director of Watches for Sotheby’s
(04:34) How Sam entered the auction world
(12:19) Why Sam went to work at Sotheby’s
(14:38) Why Aurel Bacs is the best watch auctioneer in the world
(20:44) Navigating relationships with collectors
(27:00) Why it’s hard for auction houses to find watches
(32:51) Highlights from the Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale
(37:58) Why Rolex and Patek Philippe are so special
(43:50) What makes a good watch auctioneer
(45:51) Our stories from Baselworld 2019
