The owner of a luxury watch which sold at almost twice its valuation price at Harpenden Public Halls, “almost fell off her chair” when it sold last week, according to the auctioneer.
Jonathan Humbert, of J P Humbert Auctioneers, told the Herts Advertiser that he was “just about to pack up” after a charity valuation day last week when the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, brought the watch in for a last-minute valuation.
He said: “It was a 2014 Audemars Piguet, 18-carat rose gold watch with a black face. It was a little blingy for my tastes, but came with its original royal oak box and paperwork so we auctioned it with no reserve - this watch was here to sell.”
After valuing it at between £5,000 and £8,000, both Mr Humbert and the seller were stunned to a see a bidding war erupt and send the price of the watch in to five figures.
He said: “It just goes to show what can happen at a live auction. Small items are making a lot of money.”
J P Humbert’s next charity valuation is between 6pm and 8pm on Monday, November 2, at Harpenden Public Halls, and then betweemn 10am and 2pm after that on Wednesday, November 4.
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