It is always interesting to see what prices Swiss watches are fetching at auction. The latest sale at Gardiner Houlgate shows that a Rolex Milgauss, with warranty card but no box or papers, made £4500. That is considerably lower than the typical shop price for a nice recent example, but you always have to expect a loss of about £1000 in value if you mislay box and papers with a modern Rolex. Fact is, it raises questions about the owner; how careful were they with the watch, was it ever serviced?

Most of the watches on sale were ex-pawnbroker stock, unredeemed items. So basically, these have been forgotten as debts have piled up – very sad way to lose a beautiful watch.

Meanwhile a 2008 Rolex Sea Dweller was not sold, presumably failing to make reserve.  The watch had some slight marks showing wear, but again, no box or papers. A 2018 model Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with a handsome olive green dial made £2500, with an original gaurantee card but no box or other paperwork.

A GMT II in black and gold with an international guarantee card, but no box, went for £8200 which we think is strong money. That said, it looked in fantastic condition and given that some GMT models have a long waiting list brand new, maybe that’s a wish list box ticked for someone.

Here’s a thing though; a non-running Omega quartz Seamaster, no box, no paperwork and obviously no guarantee it would actually work once a battery was fitted, made £1050. We found a Seamaster auto on Watchfinder, with paperwork for £2350. Gobsmacked at seeing a grand paid for a dead watch!

More details on Gardiner Houlgate sales in October here.