Antiquorum
Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1974
Founded by Osvaldo Patrizzi
Founded in Geneva in 1974, Antiquorum is one of the world's leading auction houses specialising in rare and vintage timepieces. It has sold some of the most valuable watches ever auctioned, including important Patek Philippe pocket watches and early Rolex references.
- Founded
- 1974
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces — Flagship auction series held in Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong, featuring the world's finest collectable watches.
- Thematic Sales — Curated auctions focused on specific brands or eras — notably the landmark 'Art of Patek Philippe' sale.
Timeline
- 1974 — Osvaldo Patrizzi founds Antiquorum in Geneva as the first auction house dedicated to fine timepieces.
- 1989 — 'Art of Patek Philippe' auction establishes watches as serious collectibles and investment assets.
- 1996 — Becomes the first auction house to sell watches over the internet.
- 2002 — Sets world record: a 1939 Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 1415 sells for US$4,026,524 — more than double the previous record.
- 2008 — Sells Albert Einstein's Longines wristwatch for US$596,000 in New York.
- 2009 — Controversially auctions Mahatma Gandhi's Zenith pocket watch despite Indian government objections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antiquorum
- What is Antiquorum?
- Founded in Geneva in 1974, Antiquorum is the world's leading auction house specialising exclusively in fine watches and horological objects.
- Is Antiquorum a watch brand?
- No. Antiquorum is an auction house, not a manufacturer. It sells rare, vintage, and important timepieces from all brands at auction.
- What was the 'Art of Patek Philippe'?
- A landmark 1989 auction that single-handedly established Patek Philippe as a collectible luxury asset class. It changed how the world values vintage watches.