Christie’s Watch Shop – Buying Vintage Watches With Confidence

Antiquorum, Christies are both laughable at times in regards to their expertise. Educating oneself with the interest, forums and books is the only way to prepare before auction.

Update: The watch has arrived!

Fortunately, it's in pretty good condition, and as described. Box/papers all intact. Interestingly, the watch was bought in Singapore back in 1996, then somehow made its way to Christie's, and now back to Singapore again 18 years later. The watch is beautiful, it wears like a 37mm though it's 36mm, and the platinum gives it a nice heft.

Overall, I'd give Christie's Watch Shop a mixed review though:

Pros:
1. Christie's branding provides some reassurance (with caveats, see below)
2. Online shop interface is easy to use, buying an item is straightforward
3. The single watch I bought was as described, no surprises
4. Their pricing can be odd. Mostly overpriced, but occasional pockets of underpricing which can be good if you're lucky enough.
5. Shipping is (sort of) free... or should I say there are no additional charges for shipping. There is a 1% 'loss & damage liability' fee added on, but this isn't much more than what insured shipping would be (and for items of say USD5000, the 1% fee would definitely be less than Fedex from the US to Singapore).
6. No additional Buyer's Premium
7. Watch and box etc were carefully packed

Cons
1. Communications were terrible. Abysmal. Honestly I've had much better email communications with all the other people I've bought watches from, from all parts of the world. Emails went unreplied... 4 times. I asked for a delayed shipping as I was away on vacation. The guy replied 'ok', and to my annoyance the shipping was not delayed and rocketed off from the US to Singapore. I asked them to delay it in Singapore till I got back, but they didn't reply, despite 3 emails. Eventually the shipment was delayed (though by design or coincidence, I don't know as the Fedex site just said "awaiting invoice"), and finally got through to me. Basically, once they got their money, and sent the watch off, they stopped communicating. Very poor service indeed.
2. About the watches on the site:
a. generally overpriced
b. no movement shots
c. no pictures of box and papers (even when B&P present)
d. occasional issues with the watches as other forum members have mentioned earlier
3. They had a nice thank you card, but it said "Thank you for collecting with Christie's" (italics mine). It goes to show their target market - mostly collectors/investors who may not be wearing the watches, and so might not be WIS that we are.

So that's the summary of my experience so far. I think I was lucky, frankly, to snag the PT 1815. I normally wouldn't have dared to buy a Lange from anyone on a forum unless he/she was a trusted seller, but when this came up at this price I jumped at it.

And of course, the obligatory wrist shot, then she's off to the spa, and to get a new strap!

Thanks Gavin!

Thanks Miki! Your advice was very helpful, it does wear larger than the 36mm size suggests 😀