I caught up with C’Quon Gottlieb, C'Q The Watch Guy, to breakdown the results from Hong Kong. We look at the strength of independent brands at auction, and the current trend towards classic watch designs. We explored the significance of the Hong Kong auctions, how the landscape of auction houses is evolving, and why timeless watchmaking continues to resonate so deeply.
Our dialogue touched on the value of heritage and craftsmanship in the watch industry, and we unpacked the subtle differences between modern and vintage pieces. We also discussed the growing competition between the two, the importance of watches like the Greubel Forsey Piece D’Ecole prototype, and offered some predictions for the upcoming New York auctions at Phillips, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s. It was a deep dive into what makes luxury watches so compelling—and how market dynamics shape their appeal and value.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and CP Time Event Recap
05:56 The Strength of Independent Brands
11:57 The Value of Timeless Design
18:12 Antiquorum's Unique Approach
31:06 The Future of Watch Auctions
41:13 Antiquorum's Biggest Lot: The Grubel Forsey Prototype
47:21 Upcoming Auctions: Phillips, Christie's, and Sotheby's
54:41 Unique Picks from Sotheby's and Christie's
Key Takeaways
The recent CP Time event in Dallas was a success, attracting many new faces.
Hong Kong auctions present challenges for US-based collectors due to timing.
Phillips and Christie's continue to dominate the auction scene, but new players like Antiquorum are emerging.
F.P. Journe remains a strong brand in the independent watch market, with significant auction results.
Classic round watches are currently trending, appealing to collectors seeking timeless designs. I feel like brands that are more avant-garde are going to experience stronger headwinds as we move towards more classic styling.
Antiquorum's approach to reporting auction results might be my favorite yet- they offer both the hammer and the all-in pricing for each of their lots.
Comparing modern and vintage watches can reveal interesting insights into design evolution.
Collectors are increasingly looking for intimate connections with their timepieces.
The market for independent brands is growing, with collectors willing to invest in quality. The future of watch auctions will see a battle between modern and vintage pieces.
Want more?
With the New York Auctions around the corner, this will be the last major event before the summer break. If you want the inside line on auctions, market shifts, and what collectors are really paying attention to, subscribe to stay in the loop.
If you found this breakdown useful, share it with a fellow collector, a friend who missed out in Hong Kong, or anyone who’s curious about the independent scene. It helps more than you know.
Thanks as always for reading and for being part of a community that knows that there are still great stories in watchmaking beyond the hype.
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