Good timing

By William Gregory MRICS, Golding Young and Mawer.

Back in 2020, under the cloud of a pandemic, one of the less serious consequences was the boom of online auction bidding.

With people finding time on their hands, some started bidding to put time on their wrists.

Prices ticked on up and whilst today there has been a little softening in the market, results from a recent auction show there is still plenty of demand for previously owned timepieces.

The Rolex brand is a premium manufacturer of watches and the Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a leading model. Launched in 1945, the watch comes in a variety of styles and materials for both men and women.

A ladies example, in stainless steel with diamond markers, originally purchased new in the late 1980s, sold at auction last month for £2,600.

Another iconic manufacturer and design is the Omega Seamaster, which has associations with a certain British secret service agent.

A stylish example with a black face and tachymeter dial with an orange seconds hand sold at auction for the double 0 figure of £600.

According to the auction a gentlemen’s Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage watch was twice as good as the Seamaster when the hammer fell at £1,200. The price would have been helped, as the watch has a 9ct gold case.

The Swiss manufacturer Movado shows the depth and demand for previously owned watches at auction.

Founded in 1881, the Movado watches company certainly has heritage and the three examples illustrated here show that today’s auction prices are complementary to those of the more recognised brands.

As the hammer falls, it’s a reminder that time waits for no one.

Full illustrated results from the auction can be found at www.goldingyoung.com

We Recommend

Lasting memories

Grantham One Hundred Auction

‘Our England is a garden’

A classic Georgian family home

Lincoln Fine Art Sale

Unexpected golden wins!

View all