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Make time last with your luxury watches

Luxury watches are timeless, and these intricate mechanical wonders need a great deal of love and care. These pieces are an iconic symbol of classic engineering that hold so much detail, aesthetic and mastery. They can tell more than just the time and their longevity depends entirely on how you maintain them.

All classic, luxury and limited-edition watches are a tribute to incomparable craftsmanship and If properly cared for, they can last generations from now and form an integral part of your estate.

Here are ten tips to keep your watch ticking:

Read the manual

This is very important as all the information on how to properly care for the watch will be included. The manual will have instructions on how to change the date and time, the level of water resistance, what the battery requirements are, and certain aspects that are specific to each watch.

Waterproof or water resistant

Every watch has a water-resistance rating, but this doesn’t suggest you go swimming with it. Check whether your watch is waterproof such as the Omega Seamaster range that has diving-oriented features in a sports watch style or if they are simply water resistant. A rating of 3 ATM/30m/100ft doesn’t mean you can dive down to 30m with it!

Avoid extremities

Quickly going from hot to cold can quite easily damage your watch and interfere with the seals and gaskets.

Winding a mechanical watch

The mechanical watch blends science and art, so be sure to take care when winding it. If you are wearing the watch while you are winding it, you’ll add unwanted pressure to the winding stem. Be aware that there is a chance you can overwind your watch. Stop as soon as you feel resistance. To maintain a mechanical watch, try and keep in the habit of winding it regularly to keep the time accurate.

Servicing your watch

Be sure to take your watch for a regular service to a watch specialist. Not all jewelers can take apart and put together luxury brands and all watches need to be resealed properly to ensure the watch is watertight. Sport watches may need to be serviced more frequently.

Leave it to the professionals

Find out where you can take your watch to be serviced/repaired that won’t nullify the warranty and guarantee. Sometimes damage can happen from simply not screwing crowns back in properly.

How to clean a silver, gold, or stainless-steel watch

Gold, silver and stainless steel are all tough metals and frequently used in luxury watchmaking. However, they can still get scratched and are prone to general wear and tear. Here are a few key tips on how to clean them:

First separate the face from the bracelet as some cleaning solutions can’t be used on both parts.
Use a polishing cloth and glass cleaner for the face and wipe down in a circular motion.
Using the same cloth, wipe the bracelet dry.

Caring for leather straps

Leather straps are prone to deterioration, especially when exposed to moisture, high temperatures, extreme light, oil, and humidity. The strap can discolor or corrode.

Dry the leather straps often using a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent damage.

Time adjustments

Experts have suggested that you never make any adjustment when the short hand is in the middle of the 3 and 9 o’clock marker. This is to ensure that you won’t damage the pinion and the gears.

Battery changes

Have your batteries regularly changed to prevent leakage that can cause severe damage.

April 19, 2021/0 Comments/by SS-Admin

Blog, Jewelry

How to compile the perfect jewelry collection

“Jewelry is like the perfect spice; it always complements what’s already there.” – Diane Von Furstenberg.

Like every kitchen needs staples, so does a woman’s jewelry box. There’s nothing better than a few basic, but exquisite pieces that can dress up or down an outfit. There’s beauty in simplicity and this means making a statement with your pairings whether you’re going for a classic, eclectic or even glamorous look. No matter what the occasion, you can mix and match the same items and create absolutely new looks each time. Your jewelry must have a claim on your heart and include pieces you won’t tire of, want to give away or hand down any time soon. Statement earrings or a pair of cufflinks can really illustrate your personality and complete your outfit.

Whether you’re wearing a little black dress or a sundress and espadrilles, you won’t have to spend too much time deciding on accessories (a must for any lady). We keep these five classics on the top of our trinket tray – diamond earrings, a simple neck piece, a tennis bracelet or plated bangle, and we absolutely love a variety of precious stone rings – but here are some more essentials for those who of us who need a little more choice:

A simple, yet beautiful watch like a Tag Heuer Formula 1 or an Omega Speedmaster 38
A pair of diamond studs (the little black dress of your jewelry box)
A pair of pearl earrings – freshwater pearls can take any outfit to a 10 without even trying and they come in the most beautiful range of colors from white to cream to blush.
Whether your color of choice is silver or gold, a simple or stacked necklace of choice is an everyday essential. You can transform a workwear dress into an evening wonder by simply adding a thin string of pearls, diamonds, or casual cord and pendant. This one essential is something you can have tens of – they’re classic and sophisticated and you’ll need them in every length, thickness, color and style.
A cuff is the perfect pairing to your watch, and this is why you’ll need it in silver, gold and rose gold.
Rings, rings and more rings. There’s not much need to motivate why your hands should always be adorned with jewels. It is one of the most feminine pieces and you can wear them in so many different ways. You can never go wrong with a classic diamond eternity ring, precious stones, and pearls.

Keep it classy:

Layer your jewelry wisely. Do not make it look too busy.

Don’t mix different metals.

Choose one statement piece.

A Final Tip:

Make sure you store your jewelry in a case that is made with high quality materials that can prevent moisture build up so that your jewelry doesn’t tarnish.

April 17, 2021/0 Comments/by SS-Admin

Artwork, Blog

Now is the Time to Invest in Art

Still Life with a Bouquet in the Making Creator Dirck de Bray Date 1674

As the pandemic changed our lives and confined us to our homes, it gave us more time to reflect on our bare walls. 2020 forced us to become remote workers and art galleries and auction houses to officially move online, bringing fine art to more doorsteps.

During the last 12 months, people’s connection to art has been reinforced as a means of escapism from an unprecedented time. With more time at home, first-time buyers and collectors have had time to focus on their passions – whether they wanted to grow their collection, start a new one or simply use the time to redecorate their homes.

While first-time buyers previously preferred seeing works in person, both generations are becoming confident in the digital space and buying art more aggressively. The biggest challenge now is to accommodate both seasoned and new buyers and to retain their interest.

In the last 5 years, the original and fine art market has become one of the biggest investment crazes with frequent buyers keeping their eyes peeled to grow their portfolios and new buyers keen to get involved.

Here are some reasons why now is the right time to invest in original art…

Art that was previously inaccessible is now available for viewing and purchasing.
The digital transformation has given buyers more time to research and has reached a whole new consumer generation. People feel less pressure transacting online and galleries and auction houses have improved ways of interacting with the items for sale.
You can invest in art without having to purchase or store it.
Unlike mass-produced art, original paintings take time, thought and talent and there is something quite special about owning one of these unique pieces. Simply admiring art releases endorphins, brings you into the present moment and empowers you to want to understand the complexities of the artist’s thought process and emotions.
Like any investment, original and fine art can increase in value, but it is a long-term investment. Depending on the painter, art will ideally continue appreciating in value over time as originals never depreciate. In fact, the older the better!
Art is a relatively safe and notable asset to include in estate planning to pass on to descendants.
Exquisite art can transport you to a different time and place altogether, a place unexplored by the human mind.
Art can enrich any environment it is placed in and has a positive effect on the people within that space. Not only can it brighten and add warmth and character, but it can also spark conversation and act as the perfect ice-breaker.
Lastly, there is a simple joy that seasoned collectors will tell you about. The joy of collecting starts with your first piece – whether it is mounted or locked away for private viewing… once you see your collection grow you will not only feel proud but be determined that you need more. Your collection will speak for itself, with its own voice and story. A small piece of each artist’s life will now live with you.

Key points to consider before you buy your first piece:

Speak with curators and auctioneers about the piece, the artist and your budget
You can either purchase an original artwork or buy shares in high-value artwork with several other people through an online marketplace.
If you’re buying art for its value, it should only be a small part of your investment portfolio. Non-liquid assets often take longer to sell even if they have a high monetary value.

March 8, 2021/0 Comments/by SS-Admin

Blog, Watches

Timeless Investments

A luxury wrist piece has always been a refuge for many people – a form of expression and taste for even first-time buyers and is one of the few investment portfolios you can wear.

There is nothing quite like a well-crafted automatic watch. From the dial color to clasp design and screw-down crown… If you’re ready to invest, let it be a vintage or limited edition time-piece that, like fine wine, will only become more valuable with age.

Luxury watches will always have a market as brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are particularly attentive to their identity and history and rarely depreciate in value – especially if they are one-of-a-kind. There is a huge collector community which makes this a very lucrative investment. All investments require care and attention, but what makes some of these watches so special is that they rarely come off a production line, are presented as individual styles and are often redesigned into a limited edition.

Let’s look at the Rolex 4113 – only 12 were produced in 1942 but sits like a modern watch on the wrist with a 44mm face and an unusually thin bezel. Of these vintage chronographs, only 8 have resurfaced and the 4113 is the only split-seconds chronograph to be built by Rolex, ever.

Brands we are keeping our eye on

Rolex
Audemars Piguet
A Lange & Söhne
Patek Philippe
Richard Mille
Vacheron Constantin
Breitling
Baume & Mercier

We’ve put together a few tips on why and how to start your watch collection.

Watches do not require frequent maintenance.
You are assured both a return on your investment and pleasure from wearing it.
Limited edition watches can usually double or triple in value, especially if it is no longer in production. Many first-time buyers will overlook small details, but something as mundane as lettering color can increase the value of your piece. A great example is the Rolex Submariner, which offers the ‘Submariner’ text in red lettering – simply making it unique.
Owning vintage watches is one of the fastest-growing global trends. This is a good way to ensure your ROI as the production of this model is low or has most likely been discontinued.

Do your research

Fundamental to any investment is research. Take a look at popular models, materials, condition and year of the model. The biggest mistake would be to purchase the most expensive watch to start your collection without evaluating the value and projection over the next 5 to 10 years. Check in with industry experts and other investors or collectors.

Start your collection with a well-known brand

If you’re a novice collector, stick to the information available to you. Build your collection with a brand that has a reputable and celebrated identity such as Rolex and Patek Philippe. You can never go wrong with a classic, especially because the value increases with time and there are always people who are wanting to buy it from you. Classic watches always hold a special place in collectors’ hearts (even when they don’t own it…yet).

A long-term investment

Firstly, look at watches that are nearing the end of their production as they will eventually be considered desirable and vintage. Once, the supply drops, demand increases and drives the value with collectors.

March 2, 2021/0 Comments/by SS-Admin

Blog

2020’s Most Expensive Artwork Sold on Auction

Last year’s setbacks had little effect on the art world as a chilling Francis Bacon (1908 – 1992) triptych sold for $84.5 million in June. This 1981 oil on canvas was considered “a steal” despite it being the most expensive artwork sold at auction in 2020.

The top auction houses expanded and tested an already hybrid auction market as eight-figure artworks sold via new methods such as Zoom, Livestream and telephone… in an unstable market economy. Bidding wars continued across three countries – Hong Kong, London, and New York until the British painter’s trio of tragedy was sold over the phone.

This is the first time in seven years that one of Francis Bacon’s works has been released on auction yet it didn’t yield as high a price as previous years. In 2013 the Three Studies of Lucian Freud went for $142.4 million (at the time, the most expensive piece to be sold at auction).

The third highest-selling Bacon work painted in 1981 – the Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus, was signed, titled, dated and inscribed on the reverse of each panel – oil on canvas, in three parts. While these paintings are not Bacon’s most expensive artwork, it is his most ambitious and important mythological expression and had never entered the auction market before now.

Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus is one of 28 large triptych paintings by Bacon, each comprising three oil on canvas panels which measure 198 cm × 147.5 cm.

Bacon was inspired by The Oresteia, a trilogy of ancient Greek tragic plays by Aeschylus, the same inspiration for triptychs like Bacon’s Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1994). The Oresteia recounts three linked mythic tales of revenge: the murder of King Agamemnon; the murder of Clytemnestra by Orestes to avenge his father; and the pursuit of Orestes by the Furies – the three female deities of vengeance.

Bacon comments on the creation of this intriguing and stimulating mastery: “As for my latest triptych and a few other canvases painted after I re-read Aeschylus, I tried to create images of the sensations that some of the episodes created inside me.”

Bacon read and re-read Greek tragedy as inspiration, but no other time has he ever pointed to the play and its author in the title of his paintings.

In response to this, Bacon explained to Michel Leiris, a French surrealist writer and ethnographer to explain realism: ‘I could not paint Agamemnon, Clytemnestra or Cassandra, as that would have been merely another kind of historical painting… Therefore, I tried to create an image of the effect it produced inside me.’ Thus, the real subject of the triptych is Tragedy.”

– Francis Bacon Cited In: “Homage to Bacon,” Tate Etc. 14, Autumn 2008, Online.

February 24, 2021/0 Comments/by SS-Admin

Blog

What to Expect at One of Our Auctions

Welcome to Auction Management. At our auctions you will find luxury treasures at a fraction of the cost. Our exclusive merchandise includes fine art items, jewelry, diamonds, luxury watches, Rolexes, rubs, sapphires, tanzanite, oriental rugs and more.

Save as much as 70% off the market retail value. You can save thousands of dollars by participating in our auctions. And you are in control of the buying process – pay the price that you are willing to pay. Plus, you can compete for the best price in person.

Our auctions are hosted in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Iowa and New York.

How Does An Auction Work

If you are a newcomer to the auction-world, the idea of participating in an auction can be daunting. To set your mind at ease, let’s go through the process. Firstly, when you arrive at one of our auctions, you need to register so that you can participate in the bidding.

Registration is free of change, and you are under no obligation to bid. But to be able to make a bid, you must be registered. The registration process is managed at the auction and we encourage you to attend from the start of the preview.

Next you can preview the art before the auction begins. Browse through the available inventory, including more than 200 pieces of fine art and over 250 pieces of fine jewelry. Take your time to look through all the beautiful merchandise. If you see something that you like and want to view during the auction, mark it with a sticker.

Our live auctions work on a request-only basis. The stickers will determine the items that will be placed on auction. This speeds up the process. Now you are ready to take part in the auction. You are free to decide which items you want to bid on.

Technical Aspects of An Auction

At our auctions all forms of payment are accepted. We can also arrange delivery for you or same-day pick up. You can ask one of our friendly staff members at the registration booth about our delivery services while you are registering.

Auction Management offers quality assurance, expert evaluation and certification. We have over 30 years of experience in auctioneering. Each artwork is evaluated by our trained experts. We determine whether it is the original or a copy of the supposed painting, sculpture or piece of art. Once it has been determined that it is a legitimate piece, it is catalogued and available for auction. And an estimated retail value is allocated as a guide.

Everyone is welcome at our auctions, free of charge. Also, you don’t have to place a bid after registering, there are no obligations to bid. Keep an eye on our auction listings to participate in a live auction. Weekday auctions usually start at 10:30 AM with the preview starting at 11 AM. The weekend auctions normally start at 1 PM with the previews commencing at 12:30 PM.

Register Here

July 20, 2018/0 Comments/by SS-Admin