In this video, George Mayer from WatchBox Studios sits down with Paul Boutros from Phillips Auction House for an informative and engaging interview. They delve into various topics related to the watch industry, including the impact of global lockdowns on the auction market and the trajectory of pre-owned and vintage watch sales. They also discuss the rise of independent watchmakers and highlight new timepieces that have caught their attention. Paul Boutros shares valuable insights on emerging opportunities and deals within the vintage category, and the interview covers rising and falling trends in the watch industry. This interview is a must-watch for watch enthusiasts and traders looking for valuable information and recommendations.
George Mayer, WatchBox’s Director of Sales and Watch Buying, conducts an intriguing interview with Paul Boutros, the head of watches for the Americas for Philips Auction House. They discuss Paul’s journey into the watch industry, starting from his passion as a watch collector at a young age. Paul shares his transition from engineering to writing about watches and eventually joining the watch industry full time. The conversation also touches on the symbiotic relationship between pre-owned watch sellers and auction houses, and Paul provides valuable insights on the process of buying and selling watches at auction. They wrap up the interview by discussing their favorite watch releases of 2020 and their personal grail watches. Overall, this interview provides a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights into the watch industry.
Table of Contents
George Mayer from WatchBox Studios interviews Paul Boutros from Phillips Auction House
George Mayer interviews Paul Boutros about the impact of global lockdowns on the auction market
In this interview, George Mayer sits down with Paul Boutros to discuss the impact of global lockdowns on the auction market. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions worldwide, the auction industry has faced significant challenges. George and Paul delve into the effects of these lockdowns on pre-owned and vintage watch sales, highlighting the changes and trends that have emerged during this period.
The conversation focuses on the trajectory of pre-owned and vintage watch sales
One of the key topics in this conversation is the trajectory of pre-owned and vintage watch sales. The global lockdowns have reshaped the watch market, with collectors and enthusiasts shifting their focus towards pre-owned and vintage pieces. George and Paul explore the reasons behind this shift and discuss the growing interest in vintage watches, as well as the impact it has had on the industry as a whole.
Rise of independent watchmakers like Roger W. Smith and Rexhep Rexhepi
During the interview, George and Paul also discuss the rise of independent watchmakers. They highlight notable figures such as Roger W. Smith and Rexhep Rexhepi, who have garnered attention for their craftsmanship and unique designs. The emergence of these independent watchmakers has brought diversity and innovation to the market, captivating the interest of collectors and enthusiasts.
New timepieces that caught their attention: F.P. Journe Resonance, Audemars Piguet Remastered Chronograph, Vacheron Constantin Overseas Skeleton, Piaget Ultimate Concept, and Cartier Tank Asymétrique
George and Paul share their excitement about some new timepieces that have caught their attention. They discuss the F.P. Journe Resonance, Audemars Piguet Remastered Chronograph, Vacheron Constantin Overseas Skeleton, Piaget Ultimate Concept, and Cartier Tank Asymétrique. These watches showcase outstanding craftsmanship, innovative designs, and unique features that make them stand out in the market.
Insight on emerging opportunities and deals within the vintage category
Paul Boutros provides valuable insight into the emerging opportunities and deals within the vintage category. He highlights two-tone Rolex Daytona’s and Royal Oaks as undervalued models that collectors should keep an eye on. Vintage Vacheron Constantin watches are also discussed, emphasizing their potential for future appreciation.
Interview covers rising and falling trends in the watch industry
Throughout the interview, George and Paul delve into the rising and falling trends in the watch industry. They provide viewers with a comprehensive overview of the market, discussing the factors that have influenced these trends. This information is invaluable for watch enthusiasts and traders looking to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
Full interview recommended for watch enthusiasts and traders
The interview concludes with a recommendation for watch enthusiasts and traders to watch the full interview. George Mayer and Paul Boutros offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in the watch market. Whether you are a collector, enthusiast, or trader, the insights shared in this interview will undoubtedly be of great value.
Background and Introduction
George Mayer, director of sales and watch buying for WatchBox, interviews Paul Boutros, head of watches for the Americas for Philips Auction House
In the beginning of the interview, George Mayer introduces himself as the director of sales and watch buying for WatchBox, a prominent player in the pre-owned watch market. He then introduces his guest, Paul Boutros, the head of watches for the Americas for Philips Auction House. This sets the stage for an insightful conversation between two individuals with extensive experience and knowledge in the watch industry.
Paul Boutros shares his journey into the watch industry
George asks Paul to share his journey into the watch industry. Paul begins by recounting his passion for collecting watches from a young age, which he shared with his father. He then explains how he transitioned from engineering to writing about watches and eventually joining the industry full-time. This personal story adds a relatable and human element to the interview, allowing viewers to connect with Paul on a deeper level.
Transition from engineering to writing about watches and joining the industry
Paul elaborates on his transition from his engineering background to writing about watches and eventually joining the watch industry. He describes the pivotal moment when he realized the emotional significance of the timepieces he and his father collected, which sparked his passion and dedication to the world of watches. This transition highlights the importance of personal connections and experiences in shaping one’s career path.
Symbiotic relationship between pre-owned watch sellers and auction houses
George and Paul delve into the symbiotic relationship between pre-owned watch sellers and auction houses. They explain how these two entities complement each other by working together to serve the watch community. Pre-owned watch sellers often seek evaluation and verification from auction houses, while auction houses benefit from the global competition and access to rare and obscure timepieces.
Selling and Buying Watches at Auction
Process of selling and buying watches at auction
Paul shares insights into the process of selling and buying watches at auction. He explains how auction houses evaluate timepieces, set auction estimates, and determine hammer prices. He underscores the importance of transparency and client service in ensuring a positive auction experience for both buyers and sellers. Paul’s expertise provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the auction process.
Evaluation of timepieces and setting auction estimates
George and Paul discuss the crucial step of evaluating timepieces and setting auction estimates. Paul emphasizes the high quality standard held by auction houses like Philips, noting that they reject a significant percentage of watches proposed to them. This commitment to excellence ensures that only the finest timepieces make it to the auction block. Setting accurate auction estimates allows buyers and sellers to have realistic expectations and make informed decisions.
Providing advice to buyers and sellers
Paul shares his experience in providing advice to buyers and sellers. He highlights the importance of understanding clients’ expectations and guiding them through the auction process. By offering insights into market trends and potential hammer prices, Paul helps clients make informed decisions about their timepieces. This advisory role demonstrates the dedication auction houses have to their clients and the role they play in cultivating a knowledgeable and informed watch community.
The importance of auction results in attracting new people to the world of watches
George and Paul discuss the significant role that auction results play in attracting new individuals to the world of watches. The excitement and buzz surrounding auctions, particularly for highly sought-after timepieces, can generate interest from those outside the watch community. Auction results serve as a barometer for the industry, showcasing the value and desirability of rare and collectible watches. This conversation sheds light on the impact of auctions on the broader watch market and its potential for growth.
Favorite Watch Releases of 2020
George and Paul discuss their favorite watch releases of 2020
George and Paul share their excitement about some of their favorite watch releases of 2020. This segment allows viewers to get a glimpse into the personal preferences of both interviewees. By discussing these particular watches, George and Paul highlight the craftsmanship, design, and innovation that make them stand out in the market. This serves as a source of inspiration for watch enthusiasts and collectors looking to add new pieces to their collections.
New generation of resonance watches
George and Paul express their admiration for the new generation of resonance watches. They discuss the F.P. Journe Resonance, emphasizing its unique mechanism and the technical expertise behind its creation. This particular watch exemplifies the innovation and artistry that continue to drive the watch industry forward.
Reintroduction of the Cartier Prive Tank Asymmetry and the Audemars Piguet Remaster
Both George and Paul are captivated by the reintroduction of classic models such as the Cartier Prive Tank Asymmetry and the Audemars Piguet Remaster. They appreciate the blend of nostalgia and modernity that these watches represent. This discussion ignites a sense of nostalgia for viewers and showcases the enduring appeal of iconic watch designs.
Undervalued Brands and Models
Discussion on undervalued brands and models in the market
George and Paul engage in a discussion about undervalued brands and models in the watch market. They highlight vintage Vacheron Constantin watches as a standout example. By shedding light on these undervalued timepieces, they provide viewers with potential investment opportunities and collectible pieces that may have flown under the radar.
Vintage Vacheron Constantin
Paul emphasizes the potential and value of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches. These timepieces often offer exceptional craftsmanship, historical significance, and a unique aesthetic. Paul’s expertise in vintage watches allows viewers to gain insight into the market and make informed decisions when exploring this particular brand.
Two-tone Rolex Daytona’s and Royal Oaks
Another undervalued category that George and Paul discuss is two-tone Rolex Daytona’s and Royal Oaks. They recognize the aesthetics and quality of these models, highlighting their potential for appreciation in the future. By shedding light on these undervalued brands and models, George and Paul provide viewers with valuable information to consider when expanding their watch collections or searching for investment opportunities.
Upcoming Auction at Philips
Information on the next auction at Philips
Paul shares important information about the next auction at Philips. He announces that it is scheduled for June 27th and 28th, pending any changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. This gives viewers an opportunity to mark their calendars and prepare for the highly anticipated event. Paul’s shared information provides a valuable insight into the auction landscape and keeps viewers updated on the latest developments in the industry.
Potential changes due to the coronavirus pandemic
George and Paul acknowledge the potential changes that may arise due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They share their understanding that health and safety concerns may influence the format and execution of future auctions. By addressing this topic, they demonstrate their awareness of the current global situation and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
George and Paul discuss their personal favorite watches
The interview concludes with George and Paul discussing their personal favorite watches. This segment allows viewers to gain an understanding of each interviewee’s individual taste and appreciation for specific timepieces. By sharing their personal favorites, George and Paul offer a glimpse into their passion for watches and their role as avid collectors and enthusiasts.
Grail watches: Rare Rolex QA observatory chronometer and Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel
George and Paul end the interview by sharing their grail watches – the Holy Grails of their respective collections. George mentions a rare Rolex QA observatory chronometer, highlighting its exceptional rarity and desirability. Paul, on the other hand, speaks of a Patek Philippe reference 1518 in stainless steel, known for its historical significance and scarcity. This discussion showcases the pinnacle of watch collecting and the passion that drives collectors to seek out these extraordinary timepieces.
In conclusion, George Mayer’s interview with Paul Boutros offers viewers a comprehensive and insightful look into the impact of global lockdowns on the auction market. From discussing the trajectory of pre-owned and vintage watch sales to highlighting emerging opportunities and undervalued brands, George and Paul provide valuable information for watch enthusiasts and traders. Their expertise and genuine passion for watches make this interview a must-watch for anyone interested in the watch industry.