New live online bidding service.

Media Release 16 February 2010

Watson’s Auctions Brings New Zealand Collectables to an International Market

Collectors from around the world can now access New Zealand’s finest art, jewellery, antiques and collectables with just a click of the mouse, with the launch of Watson’s Auctions new live online bidding service.

www.watsonsauctions.com will go live on 18th February 2010, offering a full international platform for clients to sell their goods. Traditionally, some of the most collectable paintings, antiques, silver and porcelain in New Zealand had to be sent to large international auction houses in New York and London, but now Watson’s Live has used ground-breaking technology to bring that audience to Christchurch.

The Live function allows any bidder to see and hear the auction in progress, offering a realtime link into the saleroom. This technology is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and Toby Macalister from Watson’s says it is a testament to the worldwide interest in New Zealand’s fine collections.

“We have amassed interested bidders from the four corners of the globe,” Mr Macalister says. “This is the first online auction system in New Zealand which truly caters to New Zealand and international markets.”

Mr Macalister says the live auctions use the same programmes and databases as many of the international auction houses, ensuring maximum opportunity for successful sales.

“The beauty of Watson’s Live is that you can have an interested bidder in Russia, France or the UK, without worrying about the hefty charges associated with big auction houses overseas,” he says.

“In fact, we currently have more than 1.5 million registered buyers who want what we are selling,” Mr Macalister says.

Contrary to auction sites like Trade Me and Ebay, Mr Macalister says the strength of Watson’s Auctions lies in the fact that there is a face to every auction, so that nervous vendors and buyers can be assured of an honest auction process from start to finish. “We stand by what we sell, with experts on hand to provide condition reports and advice,” he says.

“In addition, people can view the items from our auction house in Christchurch for added assurance,” which Mr Macalister says is a key benefit when dealing with high-priced items and collectibles.

As well as the online offering, the vast Watson’s auction house at 273 Cashel St in Christchurch will continue to remain open to the public, to cater to the hundreds of people who still wish to attend auctions on site.

Mr Macalister says Watson’s Live now adds another touch point to their successful auction house. “Now you can bid four ways; on the phone, at the auction house, via absentee bid, or online,” he says.

Catering to international collectors, dealers and the general New Zealand public, Watson’s auctions will specialise in art, silver, porcelain, collectors’ cars and motorcycles, antiques, glass, collectables, china, jewellery, rare books, clocks, and furnishings.

Established in Christchurch in 1978, Watson’s Auctions has grown to become the South Island’s leading auction house. Macalister says the introduction of Watson’s Live means they can now offer the same service as internationally renowned auction house Christie’s. “We are very excited to finally be launching New Zealand’s finest collections to a truly international market, with bidders already champing at the bit before Thursday’s launch.”

Ends.

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