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Horological Meandering

Low estimates are intentionally done.

 

Low estimates are a strategic risk. Two things to note:
1. A reserve price cannot be higher than the low estimate. Makes sense right? An auction house can't give an estimate of a reasonable sale price and then have a reserve higher than their own estimate. Thus, the seller is taking a big risk that the watch will sell for less than what the seller wants for it.
2. But a low estimate brings A LOT OF people to bid. This frenzy is intentional. This frenzy creates a psychological thought; if half a dozen other people are bidding on it, then it must be good! Then maybe I should probably increase my cheapskate bid by 10 or 20%.

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