A. Lange & Söhne

I know that you're already doing what has to be done and I can't give you wiser advice, especially knowing that dealing with such matters must really not be something "pleasant" for you. All I hope is that your watch (via this thread) becomes the most pop... 

Antiquorum could have gained something in terms of image, indeed, but it seems they don't care about that. Best, Mark. Nicolas

It would be a highly unlikely event for me to ever buy or sell watches at Antiquroum, this story just re-confirms my feeling. Years ago a friend of mine bought two watches there at an auction. I know they recommend a full service on every single watch the... 

I feel sorry for you, Nicolas. All I can do is standing by you and hope you can win the legal battle against Antiquorum. Being a premiere auction house, the way they handle this matter is just so unprofessional and unacceptable.

Did you check the past auctions? Did the thief (or thieves) steal other LE? I think this could be a good clue to find out what happened to you. We, as collectors and aficionados, should follow an ethical code and avoid stolen watches...but we are not the ... 

My two Tribute to Polaris ( PRT / 65 for the 1965 Edition, Nr 7 for the 1968 Edition ), the Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Chronograph platinum salmon dial ( not a LE but a limited production ), Panerai Pre Vendome Logo Nr 15, Mare Nostrum 301/ A Nr ... 

you to post 1 specific post for each one of your stolen watches, with ref in the title and a photo (just indicating your are always owner of all papers and boxes) On IWC, Panerai, JLC and VC fora. and also add the police declaration with date (paper?) So ... 

I' ve asked him the permit to share his list.

to post on each individual WatchProSite forum: IWC, Panerai, IWC, JLC 1 individual post by stolen watch with a number and a photo. So at each search on internet, everyone could be informed.... Patrickh

forget sueing, report to police, and let them investigate

Hong Kong law may apply but the choice of law and jurisdiction issues are complex. If governing law can be identified perhaps pressure can be brought on Antiuorum and ultimately the consignor. Getting to the consignor could be helpful because he may have ... 

The buyer, who is in the US, returned the watch to Antiquorum's New York office, and the proof of ownership/theft that Nico provided to Antiquorum was also sent directly to the NY office.

can Interpol do something?

Sold in HK by company that have HQ in Swiss and NY Sound like international crime to me

power of social media

I must say that Arie has strong point here Putting this post on FB & Twitter of AQ for no matter how short time would have HUGE impact Trust me 100X more people in couple of hours will see it than here in week Not to compare but I was nearly screwed by on... 

As you can see by the number of views. This is going to hurt them. Righteously so. And perhaps it is going to help you persuade them to do the right thing...

(from Facebook) ...  

Even if you have lost favour with the watch, it's the right thing to do and a matter of principle. You can do whatever you want with your watch after regaining rightful possession. You have all of us here to back you up if need be. I am not a lawyer but I... 

This is outrageous! How can an auction house like AQ not understand the law and rules of engagements in the watch trade?! I have informed my collector friends and some of them started sharing your story on their social media accounts. Let\'s fight this to... 

This is war indeed We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender

The Resistance armies are formed and fighting the war now Cheers Robin

The war has started!! Many PuristS have joined the Resistance against the Dark Side. Check out various Facebook and Instagram pages! The banner is raised! The flags are flown! Join the Resistance! Cheers Robin

Way to go Cheers François

What is wrong with these people from Antiquorum auction??!!!! These losers just wanted to get rid of the watch as soon as possible & not wanting to have anything to do with it whatsoever!! The worse part was that they were using the document from the orig... 

I don't want to give up, but I may need a contact at HK. And to know if the law is the same there, than in the US or in France where the criterions are identical. Is this different in HK, I don't know. Best, and thank you so much for your support. Nicolas... 

Hi Nicolas! Happy New Year! Wish 2016 will be a wonderful year for you & your family! some of this past issue will get resolve soon!!! I went to the HK police & explained your situation. Here is what they said: 1.) They think the auction house should not ... 

1/ Yes, Antiquorum should have waited for an official legal advice ( police or court of justice ), and THAT is a big mistake. 2/ There is a proof of criminal act, since I have a police report ( parisian police ) about a BURGLARY, which is a crime. 3/ To k... 

Horrific that you have to relive your loss again when it appears AQ was just going to focus only on its relationship with the consignor. Nothing at all came out of your provision of the relevant papers to them. Stupid, asinine request (sorry but cant thin... 

Hope it won't be removed.

also see this thread on another forum.

.......acts as an agent only and is not liable for any default(s) of purchaser(s) and/or vendor(s). Neither Antiquorum acting as agent only nor the vendor accept any responsibility whatsoever for any defect or deterioration of any lot nor for any precisio... 

I wanted to stay in the factual ground. Only in the factual ground. As said, one of my stolen watches has reappeared on the market, has been auctioned by Aq, the auction on that watch was cancelled after Aq was informed by the winning bidder that the watc... 

we are selling your watch that was stolen from you and you have proofs that was yours and stolen but don't write against us cos we will sue you!!!??? That type of law and logic is why this world looks like it looks In short justice is on your side but law... 

AQ returned the watch to the consignor, is not their duty to pursue him. It's called LAW, not logic or even justice. I'm not saying is right, this is a matter for POLICE (and lawyers). If there is no global database for stolen watches, probably it's becau... 

Seriously You don't ask I don't say is something that one would not expect from "Antiquorum, The World's Premier Auctioneers of Modern and Vintage Timepieces, is proud of our fine reputation and the industry knowledge of our internationally recognized sta... 

But even if we would have expected a different behaviour, right now this is the sad truth. AQ could change his mind and try to fix this issue. As i type above, this is just the iceberg top, if we think that this lange is 1/22 of stolen watches.

You are right saying that you feel burglared twice. Sadly enough, the second time by a company engaged in a business we collectors love so much. And the feeling of frustration when you could only witness their course of actions, without a chance to interf... 

If I were you, I would report about the case at the police, where you originally made the file! And I would also contact with a local lawyer colleauge from Hong-Kong, what is the local law in this issue. Anyway, the situation is not so simple: there could... 

Not a simple matter, I agree, BUT... My position is not enviable... Best, Nicolas

It would be extremely difficult to keep my calm in such a situation! Hope everything ends well. br, Dirk

Stunned at reading how this is unfolding. Lack of communication and them making decision to return to consignor is flat out disgusting. Shows they are in it for a quick dollar and do not see how they are hurting themselves. Makes me want to draw blood. I ... 

He would be maybe sensible to make a petition in Antiquorum, by saying that we shall not participate anymore in their auctions, as long as this affair will not be solved?

Would not imagine this to be very hard to execute. Lot of these publications have dedicated writers on watches and jewelry and often cover the large auction offerings. This is such an obvious story that getting it out there should make auction houses pay ... 

we are in starting block

very powerful, and in addition to Kek\'s suggestions on FT, Bloomberg , etc, I would also propose you to contact SCMP (South China Morning Post which is a powerful local English newspaper in Hong Kong) and Cai Jing magazine , etc,. in China because their ... 

Interesting idea, but how would it work? What would be the text? I don't see very well how it could work. Best, Nicolas

"how to protect your prized watch collection from blatant theft", a catchy title to attract lots of attention. With one or more of these global newspapers printing an article, SCMP will likely pick it up in Hong Kong because your incidence happened in Hon... 

www.bloomberg.com - I would send the author, Stephen Pulvirent, a note and describe what happened and suggest he follows up on the article "Fifteen Watches With Bragging Rights From Antiquorum's Fall Auction" with a story called something like "St... 

A simple and quick google search et voilà... Hard to understand, harder to accept. Best, Nicolas.

I think that would be efficient... Best, Nicolas

I am dumbfounded at Antiquorum's attitude. This is not a matter of simple "misjudgement", in my opinion it is a flagrant case of dishonesty. To receive and accept stolen goods is a very serious crime in the majority of countries. It is difficult to believ... 

...it always does! The Universe works in mysterious ways. I am not Madame Soleil but I can feel clearly that some sort of "understanding" will be forthcoming. Very few creatures would indulge or blossom living in the darkness of a toilet hole and generall... 

All the best in 2016 to you and all yours D

Sretna Nova godina to you and yours dear Damjan. Jedan zagrljaj Francois

you all speak Croatian Yours hoping to meet in 2016 D

Yes, we must meet in 2016! Cheers dear Damjan, Francois

I have a feeling that you are getting a step closer to your beloved watch,I hope the auction house to get what they deserve as well..... I will make sure to spread the word in my social circle Best, Ahmed

And totally unacceptable of Antiquorum! Just a thought Nico - did you try referring the case to the Police (with whom you filed the stolen report) so that they can go after Antiquorum (instead of you)? Since the watch is part of the loot, the consignor an... 

and restore some faith.... Don t let it go Nico... Mo

.... The way Antiquorum handled this is at best unprofessional, at worst outright criminal. We are definitely behind you on this. I personally will not participate in any of their auctions till there is a satisfactory outcome from this fiasco. Please keep...