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Re: Autavia Sold at Approx. $57,800

For what it's worth, I would like to share my experience with this sale....I am a UK based collector, and had a strong interest in the 2446 1st at WOK.

As background, I am 'missing' one execution from the set of 2446 / 3646 1st - 3rd and that is the 2446 1st. To say that I wanted this watch is an understatement. I had been to see it in the weeks prior, and had done all my due diligence in preparation of bidding at the sale. My conclusion was that this was a high quality example and I was prepared to pay a strong price for it.

Then came Brexit....

Buying watches was the furthest thing from my mind this week. This was not a time for me to be spending the day at WOK, as I had done on past sales. There were other priorities. And besides....this watch was so visible and of quality that it would surely go for strong money, no chance of a bargain....that was my view.

So I stayed at home....

I know of 2 other serious buyers here in the UK who took the same view, and suspect there may have been others. Given that the Heuer market is still fairly niche, missing a few relevant collectors for such a piece surely would have had an impact on bidding levels. And it is certainly true that the WOK sales are pretty reliant on local room bidders.

We all know how auctions can work, sometimes too high, sometimes too low....certainly prone to bidding nuances. Fair value for a Rindt at CHF 75k, I think not....

Today I am kicking myself. I also suspect I may not be the only one with this thought. If I could turn back time, I would have been in that auction room. In my experience, the best opportunities come when everyone is looking elsewhere. My view is that yesterday in London was one of those days.

Is a 2446 1st in superb condition now under $60k ? If it is, please let me know....funds are waiting. I suspect not....

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