The most expensive pocket watch sold at auction is the Henry Graves Jr Supercomplication, a gold, double-dialled watch crafted by hand between 1925 and 1932 by Patek Philippe of Switzerland. On 11 November 2014, the watch was sold for 23,237,000 Swiss Francs (£15,154,312; $24,073,532) at Sotheby’s in Geneva, Switzerland.
The watch measures 74 mm (2.91 in) in diameter (the same width as a typical smartphone) and is 37 mm (1.45 in) thick, including the domed glass covers on the front and rear faces. Despite its relatively compact size, it weighs 536 grams (1 lb 2.9 oz), which gives an idea of how densely packed the internal mechanisms are. It was sold in its original tulipwood box, inlaid with a mother-of-pearl panel featuring the arms of Henry Graves Jr (1868–1953) – the American banker who commissioned the piece in 1925.
The name of the piece is a reference to Graves’ desire to have the most “complicated” watch in the world. (In horogical terminology, a “complication” is any feature that a mechanical timepiece can perform in addition to telling the time. Common complications include calendars, phase-of-the-moon displays and stopwatch functions.)
The Supercomplication required three years of study in astronomy, mathematics and precision mechanics before a viable design could be finalized. The enormously elaborate mechanism uses 900 individual parts including 430 screws, 110 wheels, 120 various movable parts and 70 jeweled bearings. It took the artisans at Patek-Phillippe – assisted by several other prominent Swiss watchmakers acting as sub-contractors – more than five years to assemble the watch, finally delivering it to Graves on 19 Jan 1933.
The 24 “complications” of the watch include a star chart (calibrated to show the night sky over Graves’ Manhattan apartment on any given night) and a multi-year calendar that will be accurate until the year 2100, as well as various alarm and stopwatch functions. This number of complications remained unbeaten until 1989, when Patek-Philippe released the 33-complication “Calibre 89”. It remains, however, the most complicated watch to have been made without the assistance of computers.
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History of Auctioneering
Bonhams founded in London in 1793, Bonhams is a privately owned auction house that focuses on fine art, antiques, and collectibles.
Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1793
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Source: https://www.thememorabiliaclub.com/en-us/pages/the-10-most-reputable-auction-houses-in-the-world?srsltid=AfmBOooy9Ny64jd8sBebui--qZzIcpEBnQuTp3e0MLapcOOQubSuTT1h
Founded in London in 1796 by Harry Phillips, Phillips began as a general auctioneer before shifting its focus to fine art and antiques in the 20th century. The auction house has a reputation for its innovative approach to contemporary art, design, and photography auctions. Phillips is known for its themed sales and curated exhibitions, showcasing emerging and established artists alike. The house operates through a combination of live and online auctions, catering to a diverse range of collectors.
In 2022, Phillips made record sales reporting a total of $746 million in both auctions and private sales. Phillips was the first auction house to introduce themed sales, such as the “New Now” auction series focusing on emerging contemporary artists.
Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1796
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Source: https://americascollection.com/news/a-brief-history-of-leading-auction-houses-sothebys-christies-phillips-and-dorotheum/
Mayor and Common Council in Appleton create ordinance that you need a license in Appleton to Auction.
Country: United States
Year: 1887
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Country: United States
Year: 1910
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Freeman Hotel, Black River Falls, WI
Country: United States
Year: 1951
Date: February 17
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NAA’s 1958 Convention was held July 17-18-19 at the Hotel Statler in Buffalo, New York.
Country: United States
Year: 1958
Date: July 17
Source: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/national-auctioneers-association-conference-show-locations/
Glenn Hellberg was the World Livestock Auctioneer Champion in 1965.
Country: United States
Year: 1965
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Midway Motor Lodge, La Crosse, WI
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Year: 1973
Date: June 12
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The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.
Country: United States
Year: 1974
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Country: United States
Year: 1976
Date: August 13
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