...doing this article.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/cancelled-bonhams-seiko-auction-a-dogs-breakfast/

I, as a collector, really really appreciate the honesty in a popular publication that educates watch collectors like myself. Making sure I'm buying something legitimate and not franken.

 

Indeed.

"auction houses cannot be trusted to vet watches" from the linked article.

Refreshing to see it printed in a media.

 

I just read the article before heading to the OF.
It's sadly so rare to see critical positions being taken, when it comes to watch publications. Basic journalism is often missing, and Shops disguise as reliable source of information.

Well done Fratello!

 

There was a 6105 that had an A.R. coated crystal, in the lot, if that's not obvious the I don't know what is.

 

Bravo to Fratello. Here are some excerpts from the Hodinkee write-up on the same auction. I'll let it speak for itself:

"Starting on August 17 and called "Making Waves: Seiko – A Private Collection of Japanese Wristwatches," there will be more than 200 lots available, with each and every piece having been sourced from a single, and seemingly quite impressive, personal collection."

"While there are some truly rare and special pieces featured in Bonhams' preview (more on that in a moment), it's a special treat to hear about an auction that will feature watches that are likely to hammer at a more accessible price point."

"While the estimates on some of these feel a bit low to me, this is certainly a sale worth following if you're into Seiko watches. I have never registered for an online watch auction, but this looks like it could be a lot of fun, and it's nice to have an activity on the calendar. Be sure to put a big "X" on August 17 as that's when the full listing will be published and the first part of the auction will kick off (and run until the 25th). Dates and lots for part two are currently TBD, but for those of you who don't normally pay close attention to watch auctions, you can't say we didn't warn you."

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bonhams-announces-an-all-seiko-online-only-auction

 

I always enjoy the Fratello articles. There are a few English guys on youtube that post some enjoyable watch review videos as well.

 

Well done.

Whatever happened to editing an article before it gets published? Whatever happened to vetting? A few drafts here and there.

It's such lazy reporting by Hodinkee

 

Not so cancelled after all.

 

It's always surprising to me when watches sell for astronomically high prices at auctions. I doubt that most buyers are able to inspect the watches in person, there are usually only a few (mediocre) photos, and one can't generally return the watch unless there is a major error in the listing. It's almost as if the fact that it has been sold at a well-known auction house constitutes a sort of provenance and authentication, but most of us know better.

The only time I'm really tempted to buy at auctions is when there is a real bargain, since I see it as a risky purchase compared to buying from another collector, or even eBay.

 

Actual watch journalism! I did not know this was a thing. Sad that the article had to specify that they don’t enjoy reporting the problems they found, and they note that other sites uncritically promoted the auction in an admirably non-gloating way. Plenty of weird shenanigans going on in the watch world; watch enthusiasts would benefit from more of this kind of knowledgeable journalism.

 

Just saw that... amazing. indeed.

 

Bravo Fratello!

 

haha.. too true. As a Dutch person I’ve learned to bite my tongue in international communities, but it’s hard not to be perceived as rude or at least overly direct in many cases

 

Pick your battles, to be sure, but Hodinkee-style "everything is great" Pollyanna-ism doesn't do anyone any favors and certainly doesn't help their image as being in bed with anyone and everyone that can help them make a buck.

 

Auction is now live with Conditions reports.

 

This is where the term deutschebag came from

 

that’s ‘German’

 

Dang, back to pun school