Watch Collectors Cash In As Phillips Geneva Auction Totals $46 Million
Watch investors take note.
2 min
Over the weekend, the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XI marked the return of the live watch auction – the first since the global Covid-19 crisis. With 210 lots on offer, the event experienced energetic bidding from buyers across at least 67 countries totalling approximately $46 million.
The sale, conducted by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva, was held for a limited number of live buyers supported by more than 2000 collectors bidding via phone or online.
As far as individual sales, Patek Philippe claimed all three spots on the podium with the premiere lots from the private collection of Jean-Claude Biver – a recognisable force of the Swiss watch industry. Here, the Patek Philippe ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph from 1941 claimed top spot, its moonphase in pink gold and extremely rare pink dial fetching for around $5.1 million.
In second, was the Patek Philippe ref. 2499 perpetual second series calendar chronograph with moonphases, from 1957. Only 20 known examples of this model – with its yellow gold batons 0 are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after piece. And with nine bidders competing for the watch, it soared to a final price of approximately $3.93 million.
In third was a Patek Philippe ref. 1579 from 1946, in platinum. Recognisable for its ‘spider’ lugs and blue enamel graphics, it is believed to be one of only three models of this reference with a platinum case, and of those, it is the only watch with a blue scale and markers. As such, the one of a kind piece commanded a $2.91 million sale price.
Despite Patek Philippe’s dominance across the auction block, the action wasn’t limited to the venerable Swiss brand with the earliest F.P. Journe watches ever made both selling well above their estimates at prices of $2.18 and $1.6 million respectively.
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Super isn’t your only option. These smart strategies can help you self-fund a comfortable retirement.
Super isn’t your only option. These smart strategies can help you self-fund a comfortable retirement.
3 minSuperannuation is the first thought when it comes to self-funding retirement. Yet it is hardly the only option for doing so.
Just as we have a choice in how and where we work to earn a living, many people also have a choice in how to fund their retirement.
It is possible and sometimes preferable to leave your superannuation untouched, allowing it to continue growing. Some or all of your income can come from alternative sources instead.
Here are some alternatives you can consider.
1. Downsize your home
For many who own their own homes, the equity accrued over decades can eclipse the funds in superannuation. However, it’s theoretical money only until it is unlocked.
Selling up the family home and downsizing – or rightsizing – for retirement allows you to pocket those gains tax-free and simultaneously relocate to a more suitable home with lower upkeep costs.
Up to $300,000 from the proceeds can be contributed by a downsizer to boost your super, and the remainder can be used to fund living expenses or actively invested.
Remember that while the sale proceeds of your home are tax-free, any future profits or interest earned from that money will be taxable.
2. Part-time work
Semi-retirement allows you to gradually step into retirement. You continue earning income and super while working part-time, keeping a foot in the workforce while testing the waters of your new found free time.
Doing so also offers scope to move into different roles, such as passing on your skills to future generations by teaching/training others in your field of expertise, or taking employment in a new area that interests you and is closer to home.
3. Self-employment
Retirement from a full-time position presents a good opportunity to pursue self-employment. With more time and fewer commitments on your hands, you have greater scope to turn your hobby into a business or leverage your professional skills and reputation as an external consultant.
Also, for the self-employed and those with a family business, director’s loan repayments from the company are typically tax-free, offering a potentially lucrative source of
income and a means of extracting previous investments into the business without selling your ownership stake.
4. Investments
Rental property income (from residential or commercial properties) can supplement or even provide a generous source of income. The same applies to dividends from shares.
These are likely to be more profitable if you own them well before retirement.
Income that is surplus to your everyday needs can be reinvested using tax-effective strategies to grow your future returns.
5. Family trust
A family trust could be used to house investments for yourself and other relatives, building intergenerational wealth.
Trusts allow funds to be allocated to beneficiaries to manage marginal tax rates and stretch the money further, you have control over how income is split between different family members and have flexibility for changing circumstances.
6. Selling collectables
You may not realise the value of items you have collected over the years, such as wine, artwork, jewellery, vintage cars, and antiques.
Rather than have them collect dust or pay to store them, they could be sold to fund your living costs or new investments.
Where possible, avoid selling growth assets in a depressed market – wait until you can extract maximum value.
7. Obtaining a part-pension
Part-pensions are not only possible but valuable in making your superannuation stretch further. They still entitle you to a concession card with benefits in healthcare, transport, and more.
Take these savings even further by requesting pensioner discounts with other companies, on everything from utilities to travel and insurance to eating out.
Also, don’t overestimate the value of your assets as part of the means test. It’s a common mistake that can wrongly deny you a full or part-pension.
Plan ahead
However, you ultimately fund your retirement, planning is crucial. Advice would hopefully pay for itself.
Understand your spending and how those habits will change before and during retirement, then look to investments that offer the best fit.
Consider a mixture of strategies to diversify your risk, manage your tax liabilities and ensure ongoing income.
Above all, timing is key. The further ahead you plan, the more time you have to embrace additional opportunities and do things at the right time to maximise their value. You’ve worked hard and now is your chance to enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Find out more at www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au
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