Editor’s Note
A collection of 81 rare Heuer watches sold at Bonham’s in London this week, with a 1974 black PVD-coated Monaco fetching £48,000—more than double its high estimate. The results underscore the strong market for vintage timepieces.
On Wednesday, December 15, Bonham’s in London auctioned the Arno Haslinger collection of 81 rare Heuer timepieces. The highest-selling watch was a black PVD-coated Monaco from 1974 that sold for £48,000, more than double its top pre-sale estimate.
Other notable lots included a 1969 white-dial Jo Siffert Autavia that sold for £30,000, again double its pre-sale top estimate of £15,000. Another top lot was a 1972 gold Carrera purchased for £22,800.
The sale of the collection was timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of TAG Heuer, which now belongs to the luxury conglomerate LVMH. Several pieces were bought by the brand for the TAG Heuer museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, including a rare ‘Chronomatic’ Carrera.
A special edition of the Silverstone Calibre 11 chronograph was made for the auction. The signature of Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer, who designed the original Silverstone in 1974, appears on the red dial.
• Bonham’s Lot 94: A 1969 Jo Siffert Autavia achieved £30,000.
• Bonham’s Lot 96: A fine 1972 Heuer 18ct gold Carrera automatic chronograph sold for £22,800 (estimate was £7,000 to £9,000).
• Bonham’s Lot 98: The highest price achieved at the auction. The rare 1974 Heuer Monaco with a black PVD coating sold for £48,000 (estimate was between £10,000 and £15,000).