Best auction house for seller in UK?

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Wendywoo

·Apr 6, 2022

I have a 1957 speedmaster, not fab condition but what can you expect for the age.. However I'm told by a reputable dealer the workings were replaced with genuine omega workings at some point in the 60s. So can't be sold as a complete 1957? I'm just wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good auction house? I took it to a local place but they didn't seem to have the knowledge that the dealer had and suggested it was an early sixties watch and they could put it in the auction and felt it would fetch 3-5k but the back I'm told by the dealer is worth up to 4k on its own.. So just wonder if anyone has a recommendation for a good watch specialist auction? Thank you

 

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TheGreekPhysique

·Apr 6, 2022

Post some pictures here of the watch. If it is a 1957 speedy in semi original condition it will fetch much more than that. Hard to tell without any pics. Patience is key on this one.

 

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Wendywoo

·Apr 6, 2022

TheGreekPhysique

Post some pictures here of the watch. If it is a 1957 speedy in semi original condition it will fetch much more than that. Hard to tell without any pics. Patience is key on this one.

Thank you for the advice, pics added

 

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kaplan

·Apr 6, 2022

Just the bracelet is worth those estimates, rip your inbox I guess 😀

eBay seems like a good idea with good/better photos, visibility is high and fees above $1000 is low

Edit: If it’s not polished, that’s why you need better photos, if the endlinks are polished the estimates were better

 

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Skrotis

·Apr 6, 2022

Try watches of knigtbridge in london.

they normaly is faire

good luck

 

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neilfrancis

·Apr 6, 2022

Maybe sell all the parts separately? (With much better photos.) There's sure to be value in the caseback, mid case and bracelet. And maybe the dial and handset as separates too.

 

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Dug

·Apr 6, 2022

Notwithstanding all of the excellent advice you'll receive here, if you are intent on selling at a physical auction house I guess it depends on where you are.
As Skrotis said Watches of Knightsbridge, in London, has a good reputation, as does Fellows in Birmingham.
Good luck with your sale, whatever you decide.

 

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TheGreekPhysique

·Apr 6, 2022

So I am by no means a speedy expert but it appears that the dealer you spoke with wasn't completely wrong. From what I can see movement inside is a gen 2 321. For a 2915 I would have expected to see a gen 1. All the hands have also been replaced as some point in time. You have the DON base 1000 bezel which is correct. Kind of beat up but not terrible shape.

I would probably try to sell it here as it would probably fetch you more than any auction house after all the fees and such but that is just speculation. What I would say is dont answer the first PM you receive in your inbox. Like I said before patience is key. Let the more experienced collectors provide you guidance first. Also, try and take better pictures of the case and dial zooming in with your phone. If its tough for you get a family member to help out. It will allow for much better evaluation of the watch.

 

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padders

·Apr 6, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

In addition to the later movement, the dial and hands have also been replaced. An original 2915 dial has long indices, the short indices are seen from 70s onwards on service dials. The watch head will likely be priced as parts, expensive parts though and the bracelet and end links will fetch an extra couple of thousand too so there is likely the thick end of £10k there perhaps. The case and bezel are worth a few quid alright, but not many collectors will covet that as a watch to keep whole and that will affect the value since the rest aren't anywhere near as desirable as the originals. The movement may not have even been in a Speedy to start with.

Edited: Apr 6, 2022

 

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perks713

·Apr 6, 2022

I read recently that Millon does a good job of getting you a high price. Sadly not in the UK though.

 

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Dan S

·Apr 6, 2022

Not a simple sale. In addition to what is mentioned above, a BASE 1000 bezel is always of interest, but yours is not in good condition. Very tricky to put a value on a piece like this. One really needs to have a good handle on the value of the various parts.

 

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ndgal

·Apr 6, 2022

The "Best" auction houses normally do no take in watches in this shape (i.e. "Project watches")

 

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Davidt

·Apr 6, 2022

I agree with the above. There’s significant value in the parts as mentioned but I’d be surprised if any reputable auction house would want to list it as it’s had so many important parts changed over the years.

Your best bet would likely be eBay or a vintage dealer/collector who wants to part it out.