Introduction
Marteau & Co. watch auctions in Geneva are redefining the luxury watch market. Unlike traditional auctions, which only benefit buyers and sellers, this platform introduces the Maker’s Fee, ensuring independent watchmakers earn from every resale of their creations. Collectors gain access to rare timepieces while supporting the artisans who create them, making every transaction more meaningful.
Why Marteau & Co. Watch Auctions Are Unique
Most independent watchmakers receive no income after the first sale. Marteau & Co. watch auctions close this gap by allocating a portion of every hammer price back to the original maker.
This system increases transparency and builds trust between collectors and watchmakers. As Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie notes, independent artisans are essential to Swiss horology.
Related Articles: Independent Watchmakers Explained.
The Maker’s Fee Model
The Maker’s Fee ensures that artisans benefit from the long-term value of their work. Recent industry studies show over 60% of independent watchmakers struggle with consistent income. By rewarding them in every resale, Marteau & Co. watch auctions promote sustainability and innovation in the watch industry.
Further Reading: Hodinkee highlights this model as a step forward for ethical collecting.
See Also: How Swiss Watch Auctions Work.
Founders and Vision
Founded by Arthur Touchot and Leonard Pictet, the platform reflects decades of auction experience and deep horological knowledge. Their goal is to create a fairer marketplace where both collectors and makers benefit.
You Might Also Like: Future of Independent Horology.
Why Collectors Choose Marteau & Co.
- Transparent Geneva-based auctions
- Direct financial support for artisans
- Access to rare, independent timepieces
Explore More Here: Christie’s Watches.
FAQ: Marteau & Co. Watch Auctions
Q1: What is the Maker’s Fee?
A: It’s a percentage of every resale that goes back to the original watchmaker, creating ongoing income and rewarding craftsmanship.
Q2: Who founded Marteau & Co.?
A: Arthur Touchot and Leonard Pictet, two Geneva-based auction experts with years of international experience.
Q3: Why should collectors participate?
A: Collectors gain transparency, ethical assurance, and access to exclusive independent watches.
Q4: Where are the auctions held?
A: In Geneva, Switzerland, the heart of fine watchmaking.
Q5: How does the platform support watchmaking innovation?
A: By financially rewarding makers on every resale, it encourages long-term creativity and sustainability.
Introduction
This comprehensive Watch Buying Guide answers the most common questions about timepieces.
Whether you’re purchasing your first watch or adding to your collection, these expert insights help you make informed decisions.
From understanding movement types to choosing the right size for your wrist, you’ll find everything needed before making a purchase.
What Types of Watches Should You Consider? – Watch Buying Guide Insights
Understanding the five main categories helps narrow your options:
- Mechanical watches – Use springs and gears. No battery needed.
- Quartz watches – Battery-powered; most accurate.
- Automatic watches – Wind themselves from wrist movement.
- Digital watches – Display time numerically on a screen.
- Smartwatches – Connect to your phone and track fitness data.
Accuracy Expectations – Watch Buying Guide Tips
- Quartz watches – Lose about 15 seconds per month.
- Mechanical watches – Lose 20–40 seconds per day.
- Atomic watches – Lose 1 second every 100 million years.
- Your phone’s clock stays perfectly accurate.
Water Resistance Considerations
Water resistance ratings affect usage scenarios:
- 30m – Handles rain and handwashing
- 50m – Safe for swimming
- 100m – Suitable for snorkeling
- 200m+ – Scuba diving
Replace gaskets every 2–3 years to maintain resistance.
Maintenance Schedule – Watch Buying Guide Advice
- Quartz watches – Battery replacement every 1–3 years.
- Mechanical watches – Full service every 3–5 years.
- Service costs: $200–800 depending on the brand.
Watch for stopping, running fast/slow, or condensation under the crystal.
Pricing Strategy
- Budget watches – Plastic cases, basic movements
- Mid-range watches – Steel cases, reliable mechanisms
- Luxury watches – Precious metals, hand-finished details
Remember: craftsmanship, materials, and brand prestige drive prices.
Sizing Advice
- 6–7 inch wrists – 38–42mm
- 7–8 inch wrists – 40–44mm
- 8+ inch wrists – 42–46mm
Ensure lugs don’t overhang wrist edges.
Complications to Prioritize
- Date display – Useful daily
- GMT hand – Second time zone
- Chronograph – Stopwatch
- Moon phase – Decorative
- Annual calendar – Adjusts month lengths
More complications = more things that can break.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean with a soft cloth
- Avoid extreme temperatures & magnets
- Wind manual watches daily
- Use watch winders for automatics
- Don’t adjust date between 9 PM–3 AM
Investment Potential
- Most watches lose value after purchase
- Only select Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet models appreciate
- Vintage watches from 1960s–70s show strong growth
- Buy watches you enjoy wearing, not solely for investment
Essential Tools
- Spring bar tool
- Case back opener
- Soft polishing cloth
- Watch cushion
- Demagnetizer
Where to Purchase
- Online – Better selection, often cheaper
- Physical stores – Try before buying
- Authorized dealers – Full warranties
- Grey market – Discounts, limited warranty
- Forums/eBay – Vintage pieces, verify authenticity
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