Eric, over at Hodinkee, just provided me with results from yesterday's auction. All prices include the buyer's premium. The comments are mine, rather than Eric's.- Heuer AMI achieved 2,375 GBP ($3,825) -- a strong, but not over-the-top, price for an AMI chronograph, with the usual light nicks and dents which give these watches their wonderful character. Hey, these are not the built for the safe deposit boxes . . . when they are worn by real pilots, in real fighter jets, they will get the occasional metal-on-metal bang or bump. The more, the merrier, in my view.
- Heuer Two-button "Flieger" achieved 2,500 GBP ($4,025) -- These Flieger chronographs from the mid-to-late 1930's have been "under-appreciated" in the vintage Heuer market, and the supply seems to have dried up over the last few years. Nice to see this one get about what it deserved. Case and pushers seemed to have the usual nicks, marks and wear-through, all of which seem to be acceptable for these watches. Dial was nice, but also showed some age.
- Heuer military watch did not sell -- In my opinion, one of the nastiest fakes that we have seen offered, whether by a leading auction house or the crooks on eBay. Thankfully, it didn't sell. I don't know the circumstances [withdrawn / failed to meet reserve / etc.], but this was the only reasonable outcome.
Thanks to Eric for the continuing great work in following the auctions!
What do others think of these results?
Jeff