A taste of grandeur echoed through Sotheby’s recent Hong Kong watch auction. The stellar event saw some intriguing pieces, surprises, and an unfathomable variety that confounded even seasoned auction-goers. The sale included the blend of mid-range, low-range, and high-end pieces, often confounding buyers who were spoiled for choice in their pursuit of adding unique timepieces to their collection.
The sale, held under the ‘Important Watches’ banner, boasted several exciting pieces and threw light on the tastes and preferences of enthusiastic spectators. Interestingly, the participant pool was spread across a wide array of watches sourced locally, making for a vibrant mix. However, the immense number of sales lots often posed a challenge to coverage - a common hiccup for all auction houses.
Joining Ariel Adams on the Superlative Podcast this week, Nate Borgelt, the Head of Watches at Joopiter, opens up an insightful conversation about his innovative approach to reshaping watch auctions. With significant experience under his belt, Borgelt shares his journey through some of the renowned institutions in the business, from Christie’s and Patrizzi & Co to Antiquorum and Sotheby’s. His unique perspective, crafted over years of experience and nurtured by his mentors, has often allowed him to diverge from the traditional norms and practices of watch bidding events.