Selling Watches in Geneva, City Of Watches | Meet the Auctioneer: Clara Kessi | Sotheby's

Why It Matters

Kessi’s insights reveal how expert auctioneering and digital engagement are reshaping the high‑end watch market, reinforcing Geneva’s pivotal role in global luxury collecting.

Key Takeaways

• Clara Kessi became Sotheby's auctioneer during pandemic, mastering virtual bids.
• She likens auctioneering to sailing, emphasizing adaptability and steady pacing.
• Her style leaves space for bidders, respecting their time and investment.
• Geneva Luxury Week draws global collectors, reinforcing the city’s horology hub.
• Watches are personal artifacts, blending art, mechanics, and heritage.

Summary

The video profiles Clara Kessi, a watch specialist and auctioneer at Sotheby's, who entered the role in November 2020 amid the COVID‑19 pandemic. She recounts her first virtual auction, the challenges of engaging bidders without a live audience, and how the experience cemented her passion for the podium.

Kessi draws a parallel between auctioneering and sailing, stressing the need to adapt to changing conditions and to give bidders breathing room. Her distinctive style deliberately pauses between numbers, allowing collectors to contemplate high‑value timepieces without pressure. She also highlights the personal nature of watches—worn close to the skin, often tied to family milestones—positioning them as both art and functional tools.

Memorable moments include her quote, “Auctioneering is like sailing,” and the observation, “What happens in Geneva stays in Geneva,” underscoring the city’s exclusive luxury‑week atmosphere. She shares practical rituals, such as tongue‑twister exercises, to maintain eloquence in a non‑native language, and celebrates the arrival of new online bidders.

The interview underscores Geneva’s status as a global horology hub, where skilled auctioneers bridge collectors and rare pieces. It signals a broader shift toward digital bidding platforms and the growing importance of nuanced, client‑focused auction techniques in the luxury watch market.

Original Description

In the latest episode of Meet the Auctioneer, Clara Kessi, Sotheby's Head of Geneva Watch Sales, reveals how her childhood sailing experiences prepared her for auctioneering on the rostrum during Luxury Week.

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https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/luxury-week

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