FOREWORD
In this essay, Head of Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories Christine Power, previews some of the themes and highlights from the Winter 2025 catalogue of Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
Hermès Special Order 24/24, 21 Bag in Gold Evercolour, Swift, and Alligator on a marble mantel with a golden clock and plaid background.
We warmly welcome you to our winter offering of Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories—Webb’s premier online auction and a cornerstone in our seasonal calendar. This is where the rare and remarkable are brought into view, where provenance and design converge, and where we continue to see exceptional results. This reflects the strength of our consignors, the refined taste of the New Zealand market,and our discerning connoisseurs.
Recent sales highlights from our March auction included: An Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak Offshore 18ct Rose Gold Diamond Set Ladies Chronograph Wristwatch which sold for $59,750 (including buyer’s premium) a Hermès, Bleu Nuit Togo Birkin 30 with Box which sold at an impressive $27,485 (including buyer’s premium), and many more. These results illustrate a clear and growing appetite for luxury goods in our market. Despite the fact that the local economy is facing new challenges, we’re experiencing renewed enthusiasm for tangible beauty—diamonds, coloured gemstones, fine gold, heritage watches, and collectable handbags.
Likewise, collectors are seeking both emotional and enduring value, showing that luxury continues to evolve into something deeply personal—anchored in meaning, memory, and material significance. One moment that captured the world’s imagination this year was the record- breaking sale of Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag, which achieved $17 million at auction. Conceived from a serendipitous encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès’ Jean-Louis Dumas in the 1980s, the Birkin was never just a bag—it was an icon in the making.
Jane Birkin with her iconic Hermès Birkin Bag
Jane Birkin’s well-worn black Hermès Birkin bag
Today, it remains a pinnacle of design and desirability. In New Zealand, where Hermès is not available through retail channels, Webb’s is proud to be regularly entrusted with the consignment of these extraordinary pieces. In this auction, we are pleased to present three types of Hermès Birkins—rare and highly crafted examples that speak directly to the avid collector.
Lot 41. Hermès, Bleu Izmir Ostrich Birkin, Size 30.
EST. $28,000—$32,000
Lot 23. Hermès, Toile H & Taurillon Clemence Birkin, Size 35. EST. $13,000—$15,000
Lot 11. Hermès, Natural Sable Vache Naturelle Grainée Birkin Sellier, Size 30. EST. $26,500—$28,500
For the launch of this auction, we are honoured to partner with Krug Champagne, a house synonymous with rarity and refinement. This partnership is made even more meaningful through the support of Normanby Fine Wines, our elegant new neighbours in Mount Eden.
The long-standing relationships we've built with you, our clients— whether buying, selling, learning, or teaching—are at the heart of this work. It is a privilege to work alongside collectors at every stage of their journey, to witness the evolution of their tastes, and to share in the stories behind each acquisition. The trust, the shared knowledge, and the wonderful connections formed over time—this is what elevates our work into something truly lasting.
This auction collection has been assembled with care, discernment, and a belief in an enduring legacy of the finest adornments and investment potential. Whether you are adding to a lifelong collection or acquiring your first piece, we are delighted to share these moments with you.
Lot 53. 18ct Everose Gold, 40mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch, circa 2021. EST. $70,000—$80,000
Lot 19. 18ct Rose Gold, 1.12ct Radiant Cut Diamond / .35ct Diamond Ring, GIA Diamond report. EST. $10,500—$12,000
Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
Online Auction
29 July—10 August
Launch Event
Tuesday 5 August, 6–8pm
With a special Krug Champagne bar & installation
On view
Wednesday 6 August—Thursday 10 August
Auction Closing
Thursday 10 August, from 8pm
Location
33a Normanby Rd,
Mt Eden, Auckland
Contact
Christine Power AJP (GIA)
Head of Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
M +64 27 929 5607
Sam Shaw
Manager, Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories
sam@webbs.co.nz
DDI +64 (0)9 529 5607