What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cataloguer, Watches position at Sotheby's?
THE ROLE
The Watches Cataloguer will support the Watches department in New York, cataloging watches, clocks, and other related property. The Cataloguer will support all sales channels: auction, private sale, and buy-now. Further, they will help all sales efforts towards these sales channels whilst providing general assistance with ongoing projects and valuations within the department
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research and catalogue property to the highest standard, working closely with Specialists
- Assist with online and printed catalogue production, ensuring that photography of objects is completed in a timely manner, images are color-proofed, text is proofed, and online catalogue text & images are correct
- Assist with sale-related responsibilities, including condition reports, tracking interest, assisting with exhibition set-up, staffing exhibitions and assisting prospective clients, conducting underbid recording and bidding when needed
- Assist with the evaluation of works for auction and appraisal purposes, including responses to phone and written estimate requests; work with Specialists on valuations and close follow-up on property that has been estimated but not yet consigned for sale
- Assist with online valuation requests
- Assist with pre-sale and post-sale marketing and press write-ups, private sales and proposal write-ups
- Develop business contacts and strategic opportunities
- Manage any requests for (certificates of) authentication
- Support Chairman with long-term valuations, proposals, projects, and consignments
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 3 years of professional experience, ideally in an auction house or retail environment focused on the watches industry
- Strong research and writing experience needed
- Excellent communication and client service skills
- Excellent organizational skills including ability to multi-task and prioritize
- High level of attention to detail
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
- Enthusiasm and willingness to broaden knowledge
- Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary
