LONDON.- The Haslinger Collection of fine and rare Heuer watches sold at Bonhams (15.12.10) for £475,764. The sale of this collection, assembled by Arno Haslinger, was held partnership with TAG Heuer to help celebrate its 150th Anniversary. The saleroom was packed, and there were many telephone and internet bidders keen to participate from around the globe. Of 81 watches, 99% sold by value with only two watches failing to sell. The top lot of the day was a 1974 Monaco which was the subject of fierce bidding before finally selling for £48,000, smashing its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-15,000. This is a world record for a Monaco model watch.

Other watches which sold for high prices include another world record - a 1969 Autavia sold for £30,000 (estimate £10,000-15,000), an 18ct gold 1972 Carrera, said to be the favourite model of Jack Heuer, which made £22,800 against a pre-sale estimate of £7,000-9,000 and a 1970 Monaco, the same model as that worn by Steve McQueen in the famous racing film ‘Le Mans’, which sold for £18,000 (estimate £7,000-9,000).

The unique Silverstone watch created by TAG Heuer for the auction sold for £12,000 (estimate £5,000-7,000). Based on the newly launched Silverstone model it also incorporates the signature of Jack Heuer on the dial. All proceeds from the sale of this watch are being donated to Green Cross International. Bonhams and Arno Haslinger are also donating all the proceeds from Lot 67, the original red Silverstone, to this worthwhile charity.

Representatives from Tag Heuer were present at the auction and bought seven pieces to complete their collection.

Arno Haslinger comments, “I am truly overwhelmed with the result, it brings to end an incredible journey of the last 10 years. Working with the Bonhams Watch and Car departments further showed the significant link between watches and motorsport and the support that they have given with exhibitions around the world was undoubtedly one of the main factors in achieving such an incredible result.”

Paul Maudsley, Director of the Watch Department comments, ”The 81 watches in the collection represented the ‘best of the best’. Collectors were understandably keen to own one of these museum-quality watches and we are thrilled that such good prices were achieved resulting in a generous donation to the charity Green Cross International.”