Vintage designer watches are clocking up huge amounts at auction and demand is growing stronger every year, according to antiques experts.
Jewellery and watch valuer Kate Bliss, who will be in Knowle, West Midlands, to do free valuations on May 7, said: “Last year, a Tudor Rolex steel Oysterdate wristwatch (below), bought at a Midlands jeweller’s shop for £300 in 1971 and worn in the garden, made £51,100 at a Hansons Auctioneers sale. With buyer’s premium, the total price paid was £63,364.
“Rare timepieces, especially early Rolex models, have been a major success story in recent years. Desirable watches are likened to rare cars and wealthy collectors will stop at nothing to acquire the best examples for their collection.
“This means they’re a great investment. Many people choose to put their money into sought-after collectables which are rising in value to achieve a return. This, of course, is good news for watch sellers.
“I often see watches which have been languishing in drawers for decades make substantial amounts at auction. As well as Rolex, other makes to look out for include Omega, Cartier or Longines.”
Time pieces which achieved strong prices in Hansons’ April auctions included Lot 351, a circa 2017 Audemars Piguet gent’s 18ct rose gold Automatic Royal Oak watch (below) which made £19,500.
In addition, Lot 405, a 1970s 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date wristwatch, was contested to £4,300 and Lot 390, a late 19th Century 18ct gold Victor Kullberg full hunter top wind pocket watch, fetched £3,600.
Do you need a watch valuation?
If you would like to find out if your vintage watch could spark an auction windfall, please email an image and information to Hansons’ watches expert Adrian Rathbone: [email protected] Alternatively, you can bring items for free valuation at our offices in Etwall, Derbyshire, and Teddington, London.
We have watch experts on hand at our Auction Centre in Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, every Tuesday, 9.30am-4.30pm, and every Friday, 10am-4pm (except bank holidays).
Make a date with Kate
Watches, jewellery and silver expert Kate Bliss works as a consultant for Hansons at free valuation events around the UK. She will be offering free valuations at The Royal British Legion, 1611 Warwick Road, Knowle, B93 9LF, on May 7, 11am-4pm. General valuations also available from 1-4pm.
To find out if Kate is at a venue near you in 2019, click here.
