: Sold at the Bonhams Goodwood auction, Arturo Merzario's 18 karat
: gold Carrera, Reference 1158, at $33,737 (including the buyer's
: premium).

: I thought that the provenance would take it to a higher price. The
: negatives -- heavy oxidation; not the most desirable model; not
: the most well-recognized racer on the grid.

Jeff

I thought it might go for around double what the nice silver dial version which sold recently brought...so...close. With the Merzario provenance you never know. All that had to happen to have it go for more would have been to have two real devotees really want it. It is always difficult to say what provenance means for value.

The other 1158 with bracelet is also an interesting case. I would love to have one of these watches with a bracelet....but how much is a bracelet worth and how much does the ugly/deep inscription detract. I guess the other thing about a bracelet for this watch is that I am going to have to find an un-cut original to have it be long enough.

JohnCote