Went to an auction.....

Not exactly sure where to put this thread, but we went to a jewellery auction today. I've been to one of these done by the same company before, and we bought a few things last time but no watches. Last year they basically had a bunch of blinged out Rolex models covered in diamonds - most of them aftermarket jobs, and one Piaget men's watch that just didn't do anything for me. These things attract both the general public, and some dealers, so it's quite the audience for the auctioneer.

Lots of blinged out Rolex models again, but also some Rolex's that handn't been butchered too badly. There was a ladies 18K yellow gold with a president bracelet and diamond marker dial (original Rolex dial) that went for $13K Canadian. There was a TT DJ with romans that went for $5,100, and a SS DJ that had some aftermarket white gold bezel added with diamonds, that went for $5,000. Funny to listen to these auctioneers talk about the watches. They had a YG DD there all blinged out with diamonds on the bexel, lugs, and down the center link of the President bracelet (aftermarket). No one asked for it to be offered during the auction (that's how this works - you have to ask for it to be offered) but I heard someone ask "why are these so expensive?" The answer was "Rolex is the best watch money can buy, etc. ....." and then he said something that nearly made me burst out laughing. This guy told the customer that "It takes Rolex a year to make this model!" I could barely contain myself.....

So, there was a Chopard chronograph that had been covered in diamonds, and a ladies Cartier, and two Patek's that were nice. I didn't recognize either model (I'm no Patek expert) but they didn't look like current production. One was a nice YG model with gold dial, and stick hand - very classic men's dress watch. I asked for this to be put into the auction, but it went a bit too high for me ($8,500) - for a little more that that money I could be looking at a Ref. 3919. Then I saw what would be my major temptation for the day.........a Lange 1!



This picture does not do this watch justice. The blue is much darker (I thought it was black at first so was thinking it might be a platinum model) and it has such nice proportions.......exceptional watch!

Now I'm not sure about where all our TRF members live, but in my area these are very hard to find. This watch is kind of my holy grail watch in some respects. This one was just like the one other that I have seen in person, white gold with blue dial and roman markers. Not exactly my ideal combination, but close enough that I started talking fast to my wife....... Fortunately, she is very understanding, and said that if I wanted to bid on it I could, so I asked for it to be put in the auction.....

They had it appraised at $31,500, which is bogus because that's basically list price, and this watch had been worn for sure. However, many items were going at about 1/3rd of the appraised price, and if I was lucky enough to not have another WIS in the room, I might be able to get this one cheap! However, the auctioneer was not my friend today, because more than any other item he auctioned off he talked this watch up.

He was killing me, and he started the bidding at $10K - before I had a chance to put my hand up he had a bid, and then two counter bids, and it was up to $13K in a flash! This was still in play for me, but then he announced a book bid at $15K.... The price went up to $17K, and stayed there for a looooong time. He really milked it, and it was just too much for the model of this watch that is not exactly what I wanted. Dammit!

However, as he kept asking for $17,500, I had to keep my head down and in my mind I repeated the phrase "keep your hand down, keep your hand down......" The hammer fell, and it was gone. I have seen this same watch used for $22K, so this wasn't a bad price, but not low enough for me.

In the end we didn't buy anything, but it was a fun way to spend an afternoon. That watch was the second most expensive thing auctioned today, as the crowd wasn't very big or active at this one - except when it was something I wanted. We looked at many diamonds, rubies, saphires, emeralds, etc...but we didn't see any that were great deals like the last time we went (got the wife a ruby bracelet and 1 carat emerald ring for pennies on the dollar). If you ever get a chance to go to one of these, you should. It will amaze you how inexpensive some items can be (if you know what you are looking for), and you will look at retail in a different way.......

Thanks for reading!