Would You Bid at Antiquorum?

[ChronoSloth]

Has my 10+ year avoidance of Antiquorum Auctions been correct? They will be auctioning a relatively tough, not super rare, vintage reference soon that I have been interested in for quite some time but has always eluded me. They grade it AAA “excellent “ with all original parts. If it were you, do you bid or not?

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by ChronoSloth

Has my 10+ year avoidance of Antiquorum Auctions been correct? They will be auctioning a relatively tough, not super rare, vintage reference soon that I have been interested in for quite some time but has always eluded me. They grade it AAA “excellent “ with all original parts. If it were you, do you bid or not?

Yes - if through years of research and discussion with experts I was also of the opinion it is all 'genuine'.

AQ has some real pieces of garbage, but I've seen some real bargains as well. GL.

[Dan S]

Even the worst seller can have a good watch. And despite what you often read on the forum, you're buying the watch, not the seller. I would just go into it with great skepticism.

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Even the worst seller can have a good watch. And despite what you often read on the forum, you're buying the watch, not the seller. I would just go into it with great skepticism.

Exactly. Just ask for more pics and do your own due diligence

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Exactly. Just ask for more pics and do your own due diligence

I think the reason folks say buy the seller, is that if there is an issue a reputable seller will make things right

Due diligence is important in every transaction.

[TuRo]

Yes, just like eBay/c24…..just don’t rely on their in-house experts write-up’s….most are frankly just arse gravy !

[springer]

Antiquorum is one auction house that I no longer frequent, nor would I purchase anything there.

[offrdmania]

Ask Jose what he thinks of them

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Ask Jose what he thinks of them

All joking aside, I would absolutely ask Jose to cast an eye on any high value rare vintage piece and would happily pay for his service.

[77T]

Never bought there - but even a great offering shouldn't entice you to trade with a potentially bad seller.

It's just my mantra (and others') to buy the seller first. Many "stories" in the past. Google is your friend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[MrBlobby]

I agree with TuRo.

[ChronoSloth]

Thank you all for your comments and advice!

[MILGAUSS88]

I've gone to auctions for 40 years and there is one rule that has heeded me well.:
If the auctioneer charges a buyers premium, they are a crook.

[zapokee]

I might consider Antiquorum if it were a super-rare piece that isn't available elsewhere.

I wouldn't be buying a standard four-digit vintage Rolex from them. There are plenty of trusted dealers elsewhere.

And TuRo is right. Many people see Antiquorum appriaisers as jacks of all trades and masters of none.