London, Paris, Geneva: What This Autumn's Sales Mean If You Want to Sell

October 18, 2026 6 min read

London had its big autumn art sales this week, Paris and Geneva come next. What that means if you own a painting or a watch, and how to get a cash offer without waiting for a sale date.

London, Paris, Geneva: What This Autumn's Sales Mean If You Want to Sell

This week London had its biggest art sales of the autumn. Next week the art world moves to Paris, and in early November the watch world meets in Geneva. If you own a painting, a watch or a collectible, this is the moment many owners ask one question: should I wait for an auction, or can I turn my piece into cash now?

The short answer: big sales show that strong pieces are in demand, but an auction only pays out weeks after the sale, if the lot sells. If you want cash sooner, you can request a free, non-binding offer from FinanceFarm. We buy fine art, luxury watches and rare collectibles worth 25,000 Swiss francs or more, with no selling fees, and payment follows within 96 hours of our inspection.

What happened in London this week?

Frieze London and Frieze Masters ran from 14 to 18 October 2026 in Regent's Park, with 172 galleries from 42 countries and regions at Frieze London alone. [1]

Around the fair, the auction houses held their autumn London sales. Christie's offered Monsoon: The Peter Simon Collection, which it describes as its highest-value single-owner collection, with nearly 200 works estimated at about 86.5 to 126.7 million pounds. The evening sale took place on 14 October, the day sale on 15 October, and the online sale runs until 20 October. [2]

Phillips held its Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale on 15 October, led by Gerhard Richter's Mathis (1983), estimated at 6 to 8 million pounds. [3]

What does this mean if you own a piece?

Three things are worth knowing.

1. Demand is real, but it is selective. The headline lots are famous names with a clear history. Your piece is valued on its own: the artist or the maker, its condition, and the papers that come with it.

2. Auctions run on their own calendar. A lot is consigned weeks before the sale, shown, then sold on one evening. Payment comes after the sale, and a lot that does not find a buyer goes back to its owner. Sellers usually pay a commission, often around 15% of the hammer price. [4]

3. You do not have to wait for a sale date. A direct sale gives you a written offer first. You decide, and if you accept, the money follows the inspection, not an auction evening.

For a full side-by-side comparison of auction, dealer and direct sale, read our guide Selling Art or Watches in Switzerland: What Will You Receive? [5]

The autumn season in three cities: London sales and Frieze 14 to 18 October, Art Basel Paris 21 to 25 October, Geneva watch auctions 7 to 9 November

What comes next in the season?

Paris, 21 to 25 October. Art Basel Paris opens at the Grand Palais with 206 galleries from 41 countries; the public days are 23 to 25 October. [6] Phillips also holds a modern and contemporary art and design sale in Paris on 21 October. [3]

Swiss watch exports, 20 October. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry publishes its September export figures. In August, exports rose 9.1% to 1,789.2 million Swiss francs. [7] Export figures are not resale prices, but they show how much interest there is in Swiss watches.

Geneva, 7 to 9 November. The big watch auctions follow: Phillips on 7 and 8 November, Sotheby's on 8 November and Christie's on 9 November. [8] [9] If you own a watch, this is a good time to compare an auction with a direct offer before you decide.

How does selling to FinanceFarm work?

Add your piece. Create a free account and upload clear photos. Photos from your phone are enough to begin.
Request a free offer. It is non-binding.
Our specialists review your piece and reply with an offer in writing.
If you accept, you sign the contract and send the piece to us, insured.
Get paid within 96 hours of the physical inspection.

There are no selling fees, so you receive 100% of the agreed price. Shipping is insured and at your cost. We work with sellers in Switzerland, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

Selling to FinanceFarm in five steps: add your piece, request a free offer, specialist review, accept and send insured, payout within 96 hours of inspection

What should you prepare this week?

Photos in daylight. For a watch: the dial, the case back, the clasp, and the box and papers if you have them. For a painting: the front, the signature and the back of the frame.
What you know about its history. Where and when it was bought, an earlier auction record, a gallery invoice or a certificate.
Proof that it is yours. A receipt, an inheritance document, an insurance list or an old valuation. If something is missing, add what you have; our specialists will tell you if anything else is needed.

What is FinanceFarm building next?

The FinanceFarm app is coming this month. You will be able to add a piece, follow its review and manage your account from your phone. We will share the details when it goes live.

If you have a painting, a watch or a collectible you are thinking of selling, you can request an offer at financefarm.com. It costs nothing, and the decision stays yours.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wait for an auction to sell my painting or watch?
Not necessarily. An auction can do well for pieces in high demand, but it pays after the sale and only if the lot sells. A direct offer lets you see a price in writing first and decide without waiting for a sale date.

How fast can I get cash for a watch or artwork?
With FinanceFarm, payment follows within 96 hours of the physical inspection, once you have accepted the offer and sent the piece.

Does FinanceFarm charge selling fees?
No. You receive 100% of the agreed price. Shipping is insured and at your cost.

Is there a minimum value?
Yes, 25,000 Swiss francs per piece. Every piece is reviewed individually, so meeting the minimum does not mean automatic acceptance. [5]

When is Art Basel Paris 2026?
From 21 to 25 October 2026 at the Grand Palais; the public days are 23 to 25 October. [6]

When are the Geneva watch auctions in 2026?
From 7 to 9 November 2026: Phillips on 7 and 8 November, Sotheby's on 8 November and Christie's on 9 November. [8]