GENEVA.- In light of ever-increasing demand and opportunities in the field, Sotheby’s welcomes Mikael Wallhagen and Tony Frank, two senior leading figures in the world of horology, both of whom will take on key roles in the global Watches team.

Mikael and Tony each bring over 20 years of experience in the watch industry, coming to Sotheby’s from the Swedish auction house Bukowskis, where they created the Watch department and successfully launched live and online auctions. Their appointments come as Sotheby’s continues to reinforce its global team, which includes many of the foremost experts in the field.

Daryn Schnipper, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the International Watch Division, said: “We are very excited to welcome both Mikael and Tony, whose experience will contribute much to strengthen our growing team. Our market continues to fascinate and expand, reflecting collectors’ tastes, which range from vintage to cutting edge contemporary pieces.”

Mikael and Tony will develop and nurture key relationships, reinforcing Sotheby’s global team and driving Sotheby’s strategy in Europe with a great combination of watch world expertise & deep online experience and success. While they will be collaborating with senior colleagues across the US and Asia, Mikael and Tony will be focusing primarily on Geneva and London, where they will work closely with Pedro Reiser (Department Manager in Geneva) and Joanne Lewis (Head of Department in London), respectively.

Sotheby’s Watches forms a central part of Sotheby’s new Luxury & Lifestyle Division, which launched earlier this year. Uniting the categories of jewellery, watches, wine, cars and experiences, this new initiative will allow Sotheby’s to develop and implement a clear and compelling growth strategy. Furthermore, the Watches department continues to broaden its activities with a series of exhibitions and talks, including in the Middle East and Asia, which aim to engage with collectors and share the unparalleled expertise of the global team.

Tony Frank
Growing up in his father’s watch shop, Tony’s passion for horology developed at a young age. After working as a manager in the shop for several years, Tony went on to start the first watch auctions in Sweden at Kaplans Auktioner in the late 1990s. Joining Sotheby’s as a Senior Specialist, Tony will spend a significant amount of time working alongside Joanne Lewis and the Watches team in London.

Mikael Wallhagen
A graduate watchmaker, Mikael joined the auction business in 2004 after a nine-year stint in the world of retail, where he worked for one of Sweden’s most prestigious watch shops. He has made regular appearances as an appraiser on Antikrundan, the Swedish Antiques Roadshow. Mikael comes to Sotheby’s as a Senior Specialist and Head of Department in Geneva, where he will be based, joining Pedro Reiser and the Geneva Watches team.