A unique set of a Porsche 911, Chaykin Joker and NFT sold for a bargain 300K at Ineichen Auction

Zach Blass

We recently covered the fact that on April 30, Ineichen Auctioneers was set to host a single-lot timed auction for a one-of-a-kind bundle. Up for grabs were a unique Konstantin Chaykin Joker XXX watch, a Joker-themed Porsche 911, and an NFT artwork of the car driving through Gotham city. The package embodies the pioneering spirit of the auction house, the second highest grossing in Switzerland, that is set to change the game with new propositions such as cancelling the buyers’ premium starting later this month. Estimates, after all, can be a fickle thing and rarely represent the final hammer price. That being said, we can now share that at auction close, the aforementioned unique three-piece lot sold, on the dot, at the high-end of the estimate – a final hammer price of CHF 300,000 even. Taking into consideration all that was on offer, I think the winner got quite a bargain. I mean, buying a Porsche these days is like scoring a Rolex at retail. But let’s take a step back to the beginning…

Earlier this week I returned from an amazing weekend in Zurich. It was my first time being fully immersed in the city beyond the airport, and I can already imagine myself living there. The building Ineichen Auctioneers calls home is absolutely stunning, in line with the gorgeous landscape you would expect in a thriving Swiss city. For those who have yet to have the pleasure of heading off to Zurich, I have to say that to me it felt like the lovechild of Geneva and Dubai. It has the old town charm and picturesque lake, but as we walked from the hotel to Ineichen HQ, an endless stream of Lamborghinis, Porsches and other super cars were either street parked (which the New Yorker in me could not believe) or speeding by.

Speaking of cars, before we headed inside, I got to take in the beauty of the Porsche 911 customised by Aleksandr Markovsky. The attention to detail was on par with what we expect in the micron world of watches. Everything from the purple “skittles” coat of paint, to the racing badge with a “Why so serious?” motif, to the green nappa leather and checkered interior screamed the clown prince of Gotham.

As soon as Aleksandr offered to take someone for a lap around the block before heading inside, each and every journalist jumped at the chance to go for a ride. I am not particularly a car guy, as a New Yorker without a license, but even I could understand how amazing the car drove, the hum and feel of the engine, and the thrilling sensation of it racing down the street from the passenger seat.

Once inside, I had to seize the moment before the auction to quickly strap the unique Joker XXX watch to my wrist – and believe me I did not want to take it off. Inspired by the customised Porsche 911 it was auctioned alongside, the Joker XXX has a visible automotive influence. The eyes, which indicate the hours (left) and minutes (right), have been executed in black for the first time and visually evoke dashboard gauges. A red indicator has been pad-printed onto each of the matte black eyes, the chapter rings that surround them radially brushed. Its blackened case and purple lizard strap, of course along with its clown-inspired dial, definitely would have made the villainous Joker proud.

But, a joyride was not the reason for my visit of course. The moment had arrived, where the Car + Watch + NFT set was to be hammered off to a lucky bidder. Over the course of 10 minutes or so the bids flooded in, egged on by Artemy Lechbinksy, the CEO of Ineichen. Once the gavel was banged, there would never be another opportunity to acquire such a distinct set of tangible and intangible goods. Towards the end, the bidding revved up – bidders realizing the fleeting nature of this opportunity, FOMO setting in. Alas, a winning bid of CHF 300,000 took home the set, which, in my opinion at least, was a steal all things considered. The detailed tie-in of the three pieces is truly special. NFT’s, while hot, admittedly confuse me in their appeal. They are not physical items you can hang on a wall short of a dedicated screen displaying the digital item. So, I really appreciated the fact that the real estate of the solid caseback of the 1/1 Joker XXX watch was engraved with the NFT artwork – allowing it to travel with you on the wrist in the physical world.

Overall, through the experience, and my conversation with Artemy, it is clear that there is much to come from this auction house – expansion, revolution, and digitalisation for sure. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter coming soon.