The Auction Shift Is Already Happening
In 2024, more collectors are buying through auction houses than ever before—and skipping both ADs and flippers.
Adam Levinsohn explains why Bond Street Auctions and similar platforms are becoming the preferred buying method for serious watch enthusiasts.
Top 5 Reasons Auctions Are Dominating in 2024
1. Better Inventory
Retail ADs have long waitlists. Grey market sellers have inflated prices. Auctions? Access to:
• Discontinued models
• Rare vintage references
• Full sets with provenance
2. Verified Authenticity
Unlike private sellers, auction houses use:
• XRF testing
• Serial number validation
• Movement inspections
• Theft database checks
“The real value in auctions isn’t the watch—it’s the paperwork that comes with it,” says Levinsohn.
3. True Market Pricing
Auction hammer prices reflect real demand, not hype-driven markups.
• Transparent bids
• Global buyer base
• No artificial scarcity
4. Lower Risk Than Grey Market
No fakes. No frankenwatches. No mysterious “watchguy.”
Just verified pieces from vetted consignors.
5. Access to Experts
Bidding through Bond Street includes access to:
• Horologists
• Auction specialists
• Appraisal teams
• Market analysts
Levinsohn adds: “You don’t get that kind of support from Instagram DMs.”
2024 Auction Buyer Stats (Bond Street)
• 61% of buyers are repeat bidders
• 42% of winning bids come from international buyers
• 76% of watches sold are fully papered or archive-verified
FAQs
Are auction prices higher than retail?
Sometimes—but for rare references, auctions are often cheaper than grey dealers.
Can new collectors buy at auction?
Yes. Bond Street offers guides, condition reports, and Zoom previews to help you bid smart.
Is it hard to resell watches bought at auction?
Not at all. Many collectors flip auction-bought watches through the same houses.
Want to Start Collecting the Smart Way?
Join the thousands who now use Bond Street as their primary buying source for Rolex, Patek, AP, Journe, and more.
👉 Register now at www.BondStreetAuctions.com
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