Starting October 15, Marteau & Co’s inaugural auction features an exceptional lineup including a rare pink gold FP Journe Centigraphe and a Chopard Quattro Spirit 25, while its Behind the Bench series offers intimate stories from the artisans themselves
Geneva’s Marteau & Co sets a new standard in watch auctions by putting independent watchmakers front and centre. Its inaugural auction, opening on October 15, 2025, presents 25 exceptional watches crafted by leading independent creators—each accompanied by its own unique story, many shared directly by the artisans in the auction catalogue. Among the standout pieces are a rare pink gold Centigraphe by FP Journe, the very first pink gold Chopard Quattro Spirit 25 (case No 1 of 100), a stunning De Bethune DB25sQP and an rare prototype tourbillon sports watch made and owned by the founder of Ming.
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FP Journe Centigraphe in pink gold (Photo: courtesy of Marteau & Co)
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The founders behind this visionary platform, Arthur Touchot and Léonard Pictet, bring expertise and genuine passion to the venture. Touchot, formerly a senior executive at a leading global auction house and an editor at a luxury watch publication merges storytelling with strategic insight to build a fairer auction ecosystem. Pictet, with 15 years in maisons including Jaeger-LeCoultre and A Lange & Söhne, offers craftsmanship knowledge and client relationship building experience. Together, they have crafted Marteau & Co as a transparent, creator-focused alternative that reconnects value with those who bring watches to life.
Marteau & Co’s auction model represents a significant departure from tradition. Independent watchmakers receive a guaranteed three per cent commission from the final sale price—a fresh approach that recognises their artistry and labour even in the second hand market. Sellers pay a simple flat fee of US$ 622 (CHF 500) per watch, covering all logistics and promotion. Most auction houses charge buyers fees of 25 to 30 per cent, but Marteau & Co sets its fees at a lower rate of 20 per cent. This transparent and fairer fee structure encourages trust and invites collectors to participate repeatedly.
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