Yesterday
These new watches tell you what’s happening in the world of horology
It’s been a turbulent time for watchmakers. But they haven’t failed to bring something fabulous to the wrist.
This Month
Francis Ford Coppola just sold a watch for $16.5m
Frenzied bidding pushed the polarising F.P. Journe timepiece into near-record territory despite one dealer calling the design “goofy”.
November
This lawyer has collected more than 600 brooches
Solicitor Melanie Lethbridge didn’t expect to find a new community of friends when she began collecting brooches.
Prices for this under-the-radar watch brand are surging
Rolex still rules but here’s where the real watch steals are – including one brand that’s booming, according to an expert.
How the ultra-rich keep their watches and jewellery safe
Serving royal clients to serious collectors, this company has made security an art form.
The man making $200,000 a year auctioning trading cards on livestream
The quiet but lucrative market for trading cards and other collectors items is going live to meet growing demand for the “eventification” of everything.
An expert’s guide to vintage shopping in Paris
We go hunting for hidden treasures on the flea market trail with antiques queen Claire Perini.
October
Pen collecting becomes a hobby for a younger generation
Pen shows used to be dominated by retirees. A recent gathering of enthusiasts shows the field has gotten wider.
The lawyer who drives one of Australia’s rarest sports cars
Simon Purcell, the founder of a software service that facilitates mortgage settlements, likes the wind-in-your-hair feeling of driving the TR Ausca.
September
The Bulgari heir restoring forgotten cars to glory
Nicola Bulgari has enlisted upholstery technicians and even Amish wheelwrights to help restore the 200 vintage vehicles he keeps at a former drive-in theatre.
How the rich are using alternatives to future-proof their fortunes
As Australia becomes more exposed to global risks, the traditional twin pillars of wealth – real estate and equities – no longer feel sufficient on their own.
August
From wine to art: When collectables pay off (and when they don’t)
The joy of buying and owning vintage cars, rare coins, watches, even designer handbags, can make a potentially risky investment worthwhile.
July
These art collectors have lost $250k on NFTs. They still love them
Four years ago, demand for digital art embedded in a blockchain was off the scale. But while bitcoin is still surging, non-fungible tokens are struggling.
Why the ultra-rich are investing in weird collectables
Forget buying a Picasso. The 1 per cent want nostalgic artefacts such as early computers and dinosaur bones – and auctioneers are struggling to keep up.
$100k boost: Bill Ackman-backed trading cards aren’t just for collecting
Winners Alliance and the Professional Tennis Players Association say the collectables are helping those further down the rankings who often struggle financially.
June
Why you’re seeing cutting-edge art when checking into high-end hotels
For enthusiasts and collectors, the pursuit of fine pieces knows no bounds. In Hong Kong, The Peninsula is leading the pack hoping to captivate the market.
A piece of this seminal ’80s film could be yours for $460,000
Anyone? Anyone? Taking bids now for the vest worn by Matthew Broderick in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”.
March
Inside the homes of Australia’s most connected art collectors
Ever wondered how to showcase artwork to let them shine? A new book peeks into the homes of prominent art collectors around the country.
Hidden under Central Station lies a clock collector’s paradise
A secure chamber in the catacombs of the Sydney rail hub holds a decade-old collection of timepieces. It’s worth thousands – but rail bosses are unsure what to do with it.
January
NFTs flounder despite crypto resurgence
2024 was the worst year for the non-fungible token market since 2020. Sales fell almost 20 per cent, despite a cryptocurrency rebound.