Maybe not all collectors are the same.

There are -1 with characteristics of the -2 and vice versa (e.g. here the movement serial # was more common for a -1).

When it comes to early 2915s, I believe it's not only condition, but mainly originality and completeness that counts.

The OP's watch was basically genuine including the rare bezel and in fair condition. I thought it might go for around 200k.

I don't think the case reference alone made that difference.

And looking at the general auction results, something else must have gone wrong there.

 

As @PerJ says there were some technical issues that may have hindered bidding. Also, a newly imposed auction house rule apparently meant that bidders on high value items were required to make a deposit in advance of bidding - which naturally came as a nasty surprise for some

 

I dragged myself out of bed to follow along, with four lots that I'd earmarked as "passive pursuits," in that I would bid until about 10% off market value and then would stop.

I lost on the first three (Movado - lot 50, 105.012-66HF - lot 76, and 1016 Explorer - lot 80). All of those were in great condition and sold for reasonable prices, so I'm starting to think I quit for no reason. Glad I caught the fourth one though (I'll let that remain a mystery ).

 

I did not know that.
Had I been a buyer, I simply would not have been able to do that, so I think that would have stopped some other bidders too

 

50, 76, 80... wait, what comes next?

 

Quite substantial deposit too, 30% of the estimate.

 

Apparently it was for both online and phone bidders as well as guests in the room. Completely unbelievable.

 

Well that would have killed it right there

 

2915-2 wining bidder with his 30% deposit.

 

That seems crazy. It would certainly put me off and looks like it might have put others off. Why introduce a rule that puts off bidders. I wonder if the sellers knew about this?

 

I would simply never agree to this even if I had the funds and no other auction house works this way . Is this confirmed? If so these guys shot themselves and their seller in the foot

 

I didn’t notice first and people started talking about it two days ago so it’s possible they did not.

 

Damn, ebay never looked so good!

I honor Karma, so no premature celebrations, but please show us when in-hand, Mike!

 

I wonder how quickly they return the deposits to unsuccessful bidders? A good way to inject a bit a cash-flow!

 

As someone who has considered the idea of selling through an auction house, this thread is a real eye opening lesson.

 

Well, considering this piece entered the auction a week before hammer, and the need for a deposit, perhaps people didn't have enough time to corral the cash in time for bidding? Hmmmm

 

So to have the opportunity to bid on the 2915 you would have to deposit £30 000 with the auction house!!! No wonder there was only one bidder.