HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s announced the appointment of Sharon Chan as Head of Watches, Asia. Ms. Chan will work closely with Tim Bourne, Worldwide Head of Watches, as well as Sotheby’s international team of specialists, in driving the Company’s business in auctions and private sales of watches in Asia.

Tim Bourne, Worldwide Head of Watches, notes, “Since joining Sotheby’s three years ago Sharon has contributed greatly to the success of the sales in Hong Kong, and we are delighted that she has taken on the position as Head of Watches in Asia. A renowned specialist in the auction field, Sharon is immensely respected throughout the industry and together we are certain to bring more wonderful timepieces and exciting sales to Asia.”

Ms. Chan joined Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2011 as watch specialist, evaluating, sourcing, cataloguing both modern and vintage timepieces as well as overseeing the daily operations of the department. She has been instrumental in the Important Watches sales in Hong Kong, which have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and in 2013 achieved the Highest Total For Any Sale Of Timepieces in Asia. With over 12 years of experience in the auction business working on both jewellery and watches, Ms. Chan possesses strong connections with collectors around the world and plays an important role in expanding the watch market in Asia.

Sotheby’s first stand-alone sale of watches in Hong Kong in 1997 was crucial in establishing an important, new market for sophisticated collectors in the region, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In 2013 the Company achieved the Highest-Ever Annual Total For The Category In Asia (HK$458.7 million / US$58.8 million) which clearly demonstrates Sotheby’s dominance in the region. Sotheby’s next Important Watches sale will take place in Hong Kong in early April (details will be announced in due course).