EXCLUSIVE: Three pre-owned titans make up panel at Insider Talks
The lineup of one of the panel discussions in the hugely anticipated Insider Talks afternoon on November 23 has been confirmed, with the assembled cast discussing the changing dynamics and challenges of buying and selling in the secondary market.
Taking place on the same day and at the same venue (Guastavino’s) as the biggest night in the US watch industry’s calendar — the US Watch Awards — the talks promise to make November 23 a truly unique and special day for retailers and brands operating in the US watch market.
On the panel will be: Geoff Hess — global head of watches at Sotheby’s; Eric Wind — founder and owner of Wind Vintage; and John Reardon — founder of Collectability.
Reardon believes that sharing expertise and advice at an event like Insider Talks is crucial for the advancement of best practice in the secondary market space. “The secondary watch market is constantly evolving, so sharing real world experience and knowledge helps collectors and the wider industry better understand those changing dynamics,” he told Watch Insider.
All three bring an extraordinary depth of knowledge on the topic of pre-owned watches generally, with each having their own particular specialisms. “John focuses purely on Patek Philippe, Geoff primarily on Panerai and Rolex (plus some Hermès), and I am somewhere in between and also elsewhere, so we cover the spectrum!” said Wind.
Hess added: “While John, Eric, and I often interact in the same circles, we have certainly enjoyed different experiences ‘along the way,’ and as a result I’m sure we will have varied viewpoints. John and Eric are certainly leaders in the field, and interestingly I think in many ways John trained Eric when they worked together at Christie’s some years ago. Accordingly, I think it may be especially interesting to hear from them both on the same stage!”
Meanwhile, Reardon said of his fellow panellists: “I expect plenty of common ground with Geoff and Eric but I’m also hoping for some spirited conversation around our different experiences and perspectives within the industry.”
He continued: “I think this is a great opportunity for discussion in the American watch community — I am honored to be a part of it!”
Hess agreed that Insider Talks provides a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and garnering a collegiate spirit among peers and competitors alike. “Having multiple industry leaders in the room at one moment is somewhat uncommon, and provides everyone with a valuable opportunity, especially at a time when markets are moving faster than many of us have seen in recent years.”
Tickets for both Insider Talks and the US Watch Awards are available to purchase HERE.
