Maximum Bid/ Pre-Bid

Instead of incrementally bidding in a live auction, you can use the maximum bid feature. This represents the absolute highest price you are willing to pay for a lot.

You should determine beforehand the most you are willing to pay for an item and our system will act as a proxy bidder in your absence during a live auction. Incremental bids will automatically be placed on your behalf, beginning at the lowest increment, and without going higher than your maximum bid.

If you get outbid by another client, you’ll be notified via email or push notifications in order to give you the opportunity to increase your bid.

If two different bidders enter the same maximum bid, we will prioritize the bid which was entered first.

The maximum bid does not determine the sum you will pay - just the limit of what you are ready to pay.

This solution is good if:

Please note: If your max bid is one increment higher than your current bid, the max bid becomes a winning bid.

Live Bidding

During the live auction you can place real-time bids for the open lot

You can participate in the auction online, in the room, by telephone or by placing a maximum bid in advance.

Live bids are accepted only for the open lot, from the moment it opens and until it is closed (sold or passed) by the auctioneer. The open lot is marked "LIVE" on the right-hand menu of the live auction.

The live auction link is available on the auction page from 1 hour before the start of the auction. You will be notified as soon as it appears on the auction page.

To place a live bid, simply click the active button on the open lot page. The button will stop being active while your bid is the highest, so, you can't outbid yourself.

You can change your maximum bid for the lots that haven't opened yet during the live auction.

To change your maximum bid during a live auction, select the lot on the right-hand menu and confirm your new maximum bid. You can navigate through lots any time during the live auction.

Please note: Bids made in the auction hall will be prioritized over the bids made online. 

Bid Increments Chart

From: To: Increment:
CHF0 CHF999 CHF50
CHF1,000 CHF1,999 CHF100
CHF2,000 CHF4,999 CHF200
CHF5,000 CHF9,999 CHF500
CHF10,000 CHF19,999 CHF1,000
CHF20,000 CHF49,999 CHF2,000
CHF50,000 CHF99,999 CHF5,000
CHF100,000 CHF199,999 CHF10,000
CHF200,000 CHF499,999 CHF20,000
CHF500,000+
CHF25,000

Fixed Prices

We first introduced the fixed price option only for the Timed Pieces and Art auctions, now we offer it for all the auctions! This is unique model combining private sale and a live auction in one format.

What is the “fixed price” option?

In line with the commonly provided estimates and starting prices for the lots, we offer you an additional option – skip the bidding and buy at a fixed price. This option allows the most desiring collector to buy the watch directly.

Is there a risk that the same watch will be acquired by several bidders?

No, to eliminate such risks – once the button is clicked by you, no one else can use this function. It remains blocked for 5 days allowing you to proceed with payment.

If you do not provide the proof of payment within this period, your order is automatically withdrawn and the functions again become available to all. Once you provide the proof of payment, the lot is marked as sold and is withdrawn from bidding.


How do you manage bidding and private sale simultaneously?

Unless the bidding reaches the fixed price level, it remains accessible. Once it does – the option automatically cancels. The system accounts all types of bids, including the written ones.

What happens if a lot is sold before the live bidding starts?

In case the lot was purchased at a fixed before the auction, it will not be available for bidding during the live auction.

For Assistance with Registration & Bidding

Phone: +41 44 298 11 44
E-mail: info@ineichen.com

Please contact Ineichen’s specialists if you need any assistance with registration and bidding