A few thoughts, on the subject of the Bonhams-Haslinger auction:

• Yes, many of the Bonhams estimates seem high, compared to what we see in our little community. But this is the power of the Bonhams / TAG-Heuer / Haslinger collaboration; they are expanding and going beyond our little community, to bring in new buyers, who have not previously focused on the humble Heuers. This auction has been supported by a world tour, that was announced in the Spring (at Basel), and the publication of two books -- Arno's book and the auction catalog. These will not be the "usual suspects" bidding, but new entrants into the vintage Heuer world.
• In terms of the new buyers who will be attracted to this auction, maybe it is the "car guys" and maybe it is the "high end watch guys", and maybe it is the oil money or the oligarchs who live in London . . . maybe it is all these groups. This will bring a lot more currency into the room than our community could deliver. We have large collections, and we sweat the dollars (or Euros) on most of our watches. We debate whether the NOS Calculator is worth $2,800 or $3,200, or maybe even $3,500, and guess what . . . in this room it will go for $5,000, to someone who might think that it is a fun watch to buy in this price range.
• And let's not forget . . . these are truly exceptional samples of these watches. How many true NOS or mint watches do we see? And when we see them on eBay or on a dealer site, we have to wonder whether the "NOS Buyers" will see the watch and bid. Now, after these books and world tour, and all the articles and promotion, I believe that we can be confident that the buyers will be participating.
• Finally, Omegamania created so much interest and desire in the community that people wanted to buy one, so that they could leave the event with a "party favor" or a "door prize". Yes, this has been a big worldwide party, but guess what -- There are only 81 "party favors"!! So if you want a "goody bag" (as the kids call them), or a nice souvenir to remember the event, then you must bid on one of the 81. Maybe the Easy Rider or maybe the Solunar, but why go "cheap"? OK, so move up to the entry level two-register Autavia or Carrera . . . at least you will have a souvenir of this amazing event!!

: Dear freinds... lets be serious... how may we compare a Patek with
: a Heuer ??

: Lets keep feet on earth and each thing on it's place... a Patek
: collector is aware of the mechanic Art peace he owns with those
: Jewel watches, those incredible movements... almost just to
: admire it's beauty inside other than the outside. Not
: comparable... neither the watch, neither the collector !!
: The Patek collector for sure understands that a Heuer is a poor Man
: watch... with all my respect for US all Heuer collectors
: !!

: We're collecting many brands and are aware of the special place
: that Heuer keeps, with it's it's great dynamism in design,
: marketing related with the Mobil race sports World as where
: pioneers in all this creating a wonderful period that will
: always remain (and still never has being overcome by any other
: brand).

: The Haslinger collection auction in London is a
: wonderful/exceptional event for Heuer and for all of us as a
: very clever move from Bonhams but the fantastic thing about all
: this, is the book Arno has made. A great job he should continue
: and just add that we're all so grateful to him for such a gift
: to us and the Heuer brand. The first vintage Heuer book that has
: made us all dream with those amazing pics.

: We also should count on that the watches that will be auctioned
: aren't all 100% Original Models as they where made at that time
: and that indeed adds charm/value to the collection but that
: should be mentioned scrupulously in the Bohams description as
: they're such a serious auction house.

: I don't wish to seem arrogant with this lines as is this just the
: opinion that comes from a one more humble Heuer collector that
: admires profoundly Arno's invaluable labor and spreading work
: for our beloved vintage Heuers through his book.

: Looking forward to meat you all.

: All the best

: Sandra