Dorotheum, the Austria-based auction house, has built a fantastic reputation throughout Europe and across the world over its 316 years in the trade, and in doing so, has continued to go from strength to strength.
With 700 auctions per year across 40 categories, Dorotheum is well trusted and puts to use its excess of 100 specialists across all the fields its works in.
For its work in watches, the first catalogue auction in this sector at Dorotheum took place as early as 1901 and as we well know, complicated movements with numerous functions combined with unique design in both classic wristwatches and chronographs still fascinate today.
The watch specialists at Dorotheum are experts in their field, they are certified watchmakers, sworn appraisers and above all, have a soft spot for fine timepieces.
Watch auctions at Dorotheum offer a broad selection, ranging from historic pocket watches to luxury wristwatches and includes models from renowned watch manufacturers, such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Longines, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Tissot, TAG Heuer, IWC, Breitling, Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tudor, Vacheron Constantin, Panerai, Bulgari, Breguet, Blancpain, Rado, Hermes, Piaget, Montblanc, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Franck Muller, Mido, A. Lange & Sohne, Zenith, Roger Dubuis, Mondaine, Ulysse Nardin, Glashutte Original, Bell & Ross and F.P. Journe.
The specialists check the authenticity of every watch that comes up for auction at Dorotheum, drawing on their many years of experience. Collectors and watch lovers from all over the world appreciate Dorotheum’s large selection and valuation in line with the current market.
Online auctions take place on Dorotheum’s website on a regular basis, and a large special auction of wristwatches and pocket watches of the highest quality is held in spring and autumn.
The following watches are some of WatchPro’s chosen highlights from Dorotheum auctions in recent years.
This A. Lange & Söhne Glashütte I/SA Tourbillon Pour le Mérite fetched €321,750:
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea Dweller also went for a hefty sum, going under the hammer for €87,800. It features a small squid on the dial which is the symbol of the Italian State Police’s combat divers.
This model is therefore also called the Octopus or the Italian Polipetto in collector circle.
For €50,300, the hammer went down on a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Quantieme Perpetual.
It was described on Dorotheum’s website as a rare wristwatch with tourbillon and perpetual calendar.
Fetching €44,060 was this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak:
While this Patek Philippe Nautilus went for €128,000 back in December 2021:
It is this expertise for international selling and buying which ensure Dorotheum stands out among the watch houses which sell important watches on a regular bases and ensures they continue to attract the right buyers for the exceptional vintage pieces they get in.
In March, Dorotheum will host its auction in men’s watches and accessories in Vienna at the Palais Dorotheum.
The exhibition will open on March 9th, running until March 29th, before the auction at 3pm on March 30th.
Click HERE to find out more.
