Indeed, I tend to believe that Bonhams auction will have positive effects on the market value of watches that we usually see for sale on the bay and other sites. We all agree that Arno watches are extraordinary in rarity and quality and that the hammer prices will not represent the new price range for similar models. However, Bonhams will set the bar at new heights for those stunning pieces only, but I expect to see that bar to be used by many sellers in re-positioning the asking price of their offered timepieces at higher ranges. If this is the case, we will see more than the gradual increment mentioned by Richard. Let's take as an example the watch Jeff has pointed out: if Arnos' equivalent will be hammered at 6,000 (and the price paid by the buyer will still have to be increased by Bonhams commission and VAT), I guess that the seller of the next Autavia 2446C appearing on eBay would expect to sell it at least for $3,000, maybe more.

Richard, last weekend you have offered a fantastic Silverstone on Chronotrader and described its price as it will look like a bargain after December 15. That does suggest expectations for a sharp increase in price as 'Bonhams effect'. I should have listened to you and made that beauty mine!!!!..:-)

Cheers,
Francesco

As I wrote here --
: http://www.chronocentric.com/forums/heuer/index.cgi?page=1;md=read;id=39311
: -- we are essentially seeing the operation of a different
: market. We have: 81 magnificent watches, documented in a
: beautiful book, taken on a world tour, supported by Bonhams
: and TAG-Heuer, covered in a beautiful auction catalog, with
: Arno providing information all along the way, to be sold in a
: very favorable setting, that may have a spirit of exuberance
: (or even irrational exuberance) among many bidders who are new
: to this particular market. I believe that these factors will
: come together to produce record setting prices, across the
: board. Still, for the collectors who have the information, do
: not fully value the provenance, and are looking for more
: affordable watches (perhaps to be worn and even nicked or
: scuffed, in the process), the Autavia 2446C just sold on eBay
: for $2,100 may be the more attractive choice. If Lot 73 sells
: for $6,000, this eBay watch will not then be worth $6,000, just
: as the Haslinger piece will then be worth far more than $2,100.

: Jeff

: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: