Covid-19 shut down auction houses around the world in 2020 – but online sales of coveted luxury watches, high jewellery and rare art are through the roof

Jan 9 , 2021

Jonathan Crockett, chairman, Asia at Phillips auction house, had an unexpectedly busy 2020 as auctions moved increasingly online. Photo: Jonathan Wong

XXIV 2020

Phillips auction house launched more than 20 successful digital auctions in 2020 and buyers are happily embracing online bidding as the coronavirus pandemic continues unabated

The auction world is a glamorous one, from the previews held at five-star hotels where attendees sip champagne as they browse through art, watches or jewellery, to the niche and slightly more obscure collectible sales ranging from designer chairs to tapestry.

Eager bidders vie for coveted pieces, raise their paddles and try to outbid those on the floor while anonymous bidders from around the world participate through proxies by phone.

Jonathan Crockett, chairman, Asia at Phillips auction house. Photo: Jonathan Wong

But for Jonathan Crockett, chairman, Asia at Phillips auctions, there’s much more to witnessing record prices shatter and getting glimpses of rare masterpieces. With buyers increasingly turning to online sales, every season is a challenge.

“The fact that we are being forced to find new ways of engaging with our clients is something we have been able to embrace easily,” says Crockett. “We have increased our online sale offerings dramatically. Last year we only held seven online sales whereas this year to date we have already launched more than 20 online-only auctions.”

Luckily, the auction business is an ever-evolving one, from what’s hot and trending to how people place bids, and the pause on economies around the world and the shift in spending habits are something Crockett’s team is well positioned to battle.

“Innovation is a key attribute to Phillips’ DNA. We are constantly looking to improve and evolve our business in both good times and bad,” he says.

To be so settled has been something of a blessing in disguise: it has given stability and structure to my day in a way that doesn’t happen normally

Jonathan Crockett

What did take time to adjust to was the abrupt stop to routine trips around the world. “It is unusual for me to have spent so long in one place – in fact, I cannot remember when I was last in Hong Kong for so long. I have not been on a plane since March, whereas previously I might have been flying every other day.”

But just because Crockett is grounded, it doesn’t mean he’s taking it easy. In fact, the opposite is true: “I have had little opportunity to find much if any solitude during this unusual time: work has been busier than normal for me as we continuously evolve the business at Phillips and find ways to expand our presence across Asia.”