Fresh Off The Block

Armed with credibility, trust, and well-curated lots, Finale Auctions rejoins the auction scene as both a reliable resource for veterans and a point of entry for novices, writes MJ Jose

- MJ Jose

Auction houses have long been considered playgrounds of the wealthy. High-value items such as artworks, watches, and jewellery are put on the block, and well-heeled collectors place their bids until the auctioneer’s hammer falls. At times, starting bids can be exorbitant from the get-go, discouraging aspiring collectors from bidding further. “Auctions can be intimidating, and understandably so because it is not a venue where people feel they can readily participate in,” says businessman and watch specialist Paolo Martel, who has been tapped by Finale Art File as a collaborator for this project alongside art collector Jayson Ong. “The auction scene is a little bit dated, which is why we are finding ways to widen the net and make beginner collectors feel more welcome.”