Sotheby’s is set to host a sale on April 11 celebrating the world of vintage watches—but in a way the auction house has never done before. In collaboration with upstart watch magazine heist-out, Sotheby’s will auction 24 luxury-brand timepieces featuring distinctive designs and embellishments, such as rough diamonds—which is the name of the sale.
“Vintage watch collecting has been enjoying a resurgence, as collectors increasingly seek out unique or differentiated pieces as a way to express themselves,” said Josh Pullan, global head of Sotheby’s luxury division, in a statement. “We’re excited to bring to market an entirely new auction concept that offers a curated focus on rare and unconventional timepieces intended to capture the imagination of vintage watch aficionados and new collectors alike. Collaborating with heist-out on Rough Diamonds is another example of Sotheby’s commitment to engaging collecting communities with innovative and creative sale formats that challenge the status quo.”
“From conceptualization to the selection of watches and the design of the scenography, both parties recognized the potential in disrupting the status quo with a fresh format,” added the cofounders of heist-out, Maxime Couturier and Lorenzo Maillard. “In an industry where each new release often melds into the next, it is invigorating to pay homage to the trailblazers of yesteryear and affirm that audacity has always been pivotal in shaping watch design.”
The avant-garde pieces are on view for the public now through April 10 at the Geneva wine cellar La Corne à Vin, where the auction also will be held. Here a few of the highlights from the Rough Diamonds sale.
(Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s)
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