The Luxury Sector

As auctioneers and valuers, we are passionate about the concept of a circular economy rather than the current linear economy that dominates our spending habits. Encouraging more people into the auction industry is an exciting challenge and one that has enormous societal and environmental benefits. The linear economy model of ‘take-make-dispose’ is one that is fast catching up with us as the finite natural resources required rapidly run out. Antiques, retro and vintage goods are ‘GREEN’, and the auction industry has therefore excellent sustainable credentials. Add to this the opportunity to purchase quality and beautiful items at a reduced price mean the benefits for the consumer are undeniable.

his leads us nicely into the luxury sector of the auction industry which is one that offers great appeal and benefits to both buyers and sellers alike. With the retail market selling luxury goods at often eye-watering premiums, many have turned to auctions and the second-hand market as buying alternatives since the turn of the 21st century.

This influx of new buyers has led to strong prices being achieved at auction for high-end handbags and vintage luggage through to collectable fountain pens, lighters, and prestige watches. Whilst this increase in buyers has pushed prices up benefitting the seller there is no doubt that purchasing at auction is still far more cost effective than purchasing new. Buyers can scour auctions looking for goods in impeccable condition with excellent provenance as many examples arriving for sale may have had just one previous owner.

Clothing and accessories tops the charts for the most popular second hand purchase amongst consumers and with names such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dunhill all featuring recently in our auctions you may be surprised at what is on offer in our Cardiff and Colwyn Bay salerooms. Vintage luggage also attracts a healthy following with beautiful designs catering for all manner of travel whether by sea, air, or car. A recent highlight within our carefully curated ‘Selections & Collections’ sale was an antique Louis Vuitton steamer or cabin trunk consigned by a Carmarthenshire based vendor. Dating to the turn of the 20th century complete with serial number and label this trunk would have originally been used on extended trips by boat or train. Considering its age, the trunk was in lovely original condition and soared to an exceptional £4600 against a pre-auction estimate of £1000-1500.

Luxury goods span most of the fields in the auction industry and include different periods, styles, and origins. The common denominators are superb quality, fine craftsmanship and exquisite design.

One name that encapsulates these elements wonderfully must be Patek Philippe. A Swiss luxury clock and watch manufacturer founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is widely considered to be the most prestigious watch brand globally. Known for their complex mechanisms and wonderful heritage they are often the brand chosen by Royal families and celebrities the world over. We at Rogers Jones & Co are delighted to have been entrusted with a Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5107/1J-001 wristwatch consigned by a local lady vendor for our upcoming Selections & Collections auction on September 18th. This self-winding automatic watch comes dripping in 18ct gold with original box and paperwork including the all-important certificate of origin. Estimated at a cool £10,000-£15,000 we have high hopes for one of the most coveted dress watches ever produced.

Other names synonymous with luxury which appear in our flagship sales are Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Lalique, McTeigue, Rolex, Omega and Asprey to name a few. Our Selections & Collections sales feature the cream of what Wales and further afield have to offer.

Consigned via our two salerooms located in the North (Colwyn Bay) and South (Cardiff) and via our regional valuers based in the West, all items are sold in the Capital with the benefit of international exposure and live internet bidding.