Rolex, Omega, Bulgari and Patek Philippe among the brands at auction from April 14 to 24
A judicial auction of particular importance opens on Monday, April 14, with the sale of 350 orologi di lusso confiscated following an operation by the Guardia di Finanza dating back to 2016. These are specimens of altissimo pregio – including 334 Rolex, 14 Omega, a Bulgari, and a Patek Philippe – seized from a Japanese citizen during a customs check at the international station of Domodossola, on board the night train Milan-Paris.
According to the investigations, the watches, although accompanied by warranty certificates and original tags, had been declared at a value lower than 50% compared to the real market quotation, thus configuring an attempt at tax evasion.
The holder, tried for smuggling, was sentenced to pay a fine exceeding 500,000 euros, and the court ordered the permanent confiscation of the assets.
Rolex at auction
Now, following the final judgment, the Customs Office has tasked the Judicial Sales Institute of Turin to proceed with the online auction sale. The auction will be held entirely online from April 14 to 24, 2025, offering investors and collectors a unique opportunity to access timepiece of high value and certified authenticity.
For industry operators and those looking for alternative collectible assets, this is an event to monitor closely. The luxury watch market, in fact, continues to show interesting dynamics in terms of value appreciation over time, especially for vintage or limited edition models.
Watch collecting: Rolex and not only
The collecting of luxury watches has progressively established itself as one of the most refined forms of alternative investment, capable of combining aesthetics, precision mechanics, and asset value.
Unlike other collectible items, the watch represents an object that is both functional and symbolic: it is an expression of taste, status, and technological innovation. Historic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Vacheron Constantin have long been considered true “blue chip” of the sector, capable of maintaining – and in many cases increasing – their value over time.
The scarcity of production, the craftsmanship of the mechanisms, the use of noble materials, and, not least, the strength of the brand in the secondary market are key elements in determining the value of a specimen. Iconic models – like the Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman”, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – have recorded double-digit growth performances in the last ten years, attracting the attention not only of enthusiasts but also of sophisticated investors seeking portfolio diversification.
In a macroeconomic context characterized by uncertainty and inflation, luxury watches are increasingly perceived as safe-haven assets, similar to works of art, rare wines, or diamonds. Strengthening this trend is the expansion of online auctions, which have made the market more accessible and liquid globally, expanding the audience of collectors and investors.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
