The thrill of an auction is incomparable, especially when some of the world’s most important pieces of watch making history are presented for bidding. Now, online bidding has enlarged auction rooms to fit in a whole world of collectors.

His passion and expertise have been the driving forces behind Antiquorum, which now holds auctions and exhibitions internationally in New York, Zurich, Geneva, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Antiquorum has been entrusted by collectors with some of the world’s most exceptional watches, both new and antique. In fact, the auction house set a record for achieving the highest price for a watch sale in 2002. That year, Antiquorum set the world record for a wristwatch – over $4 million for a 1939 Patek Philippe.

Antiquorum’s unique recipe for success is also what differentiates its business from other auctioneers. The house of Antiquorum specializes in timepieces. As Patrizzi likes to put it: “It’s like the difference between shopping in a boutique and in a supermarket.”

Also, Antiquorum works directly with collectors instead of going through dealers, allowing the relationship and the knowledge of the industry to remain strong.

Patrizzi also developed the “Antiquorum Grading System,” which gives detailed information on each auction item. The system meticulously rates timepieces according to case, dial and movement, as well as beauty, originality, and authenticity.

This system is fast becoming a standard in the industry, utilized like a Michelin Guide of the watch collecting world. Printed in the catalog, as well as online, the condition report of each piece establishes confidence and is appreciated by collectors.

Patrizzi is currently focusing on further developing Antiquorum’s successful online business and increasing international communication. “We want to open our auction rooms to the world,” he says. With its online bidding system, collectors can bid instantaneously during traditional live auctions. The bidder can also submit a silent bid through the website before a sale, and follow the bidding in the currency of his home country.

The audiences of live auctions have been growing as rapidly as the online business. Alongside the guests in the auction room, there are usually from 150 to 200 online bidders from all over the world following any one auction. Also, Antiquorum offers A-Auctions, which are purely internet based auction sales generally held the day after a traditional auction.

Antiquorum currently has a representative in Japan, supporting and serving Japanese collectors. The auction house also exhibits collections in Tokyo annually. The next exhibition scheduled this year will be a preview of the Theodore Beyer collection, from October 31 to November 1 at the Toshi International in Tokyo.

Patrizzi admits he is very excited about the response Antiquorum has received so far from collectors in Japan, and has plans to eventually host live auctions in Tokyo itself.