About the Bonhams Network
Founded in, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With salerooms, Bonhams presents over, sales annually, across more than specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. In, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
About the Department
Bonhams Watch auctions offer vintage and modern timepieces from watchmakers including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Cartier, George Daniels, Heuer and more. We hold live auctions a year in London, New York, Hong Kong and Paris, as well as nearly online auctions. Bonhams distinguishes itself by the investment, expertise and collaboration of our international team of specialists, our white-glove treatment for property and the enormous breadth of our global client base. Our proven performance history of going the extra mile has resulted in Bonhams being the UK market leaders for watches at auction.
About the Role
In your role as a Specialist, you will be required to carry out the following:
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
1. Prime focus on sourcing regular and consistent watch consignments to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales
2. Work with the Head of Department on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department
3. Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department
4. Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers
5. Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company
6. Attend sale days and participate in the auction, conducting telephone bids to major clients.
7. To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer’s property both in the office and at other venues within the UK and Europe
8. Coordinate and support the team in producing the catalogues/online sale to ensure timely delivery to printers/publishing online
9. Assist on exhibition events, either in the UK or worldwide as and when required
10. Maintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market
Key Skills & Experience
11. Good market and trend awareness
12. A good level of specialist expertise achieved through a previous role
13. Proven business acumen and valuation skills
14. A network of contacts (or) willingness to build up such a portfolio
15. Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures ( shipping regulations, VAT)
16. Flexible and receptive to change
17. Excellent time management and organisation skills
18. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
19. Able to work as part of team, and independently
20. Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
21. Excellent attention to detail
What We Offer
Some of our benefits and perks include:
22. days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to with service.
23. Private Health Care