This week on the Superlative Podcast, Ariel Adams is joined by Nate Borgelt, Head of Watches at Joopiter, to discuss the evolving world of watch auctions and how a new generation of collectors is changing the market. Nate shares his path through Christie’s, Patrizzi & Co., Antiquorum, and Sotheby’s, along with the experiences and mentors that shaped his perspective on watches and the auction business. He also explains what drew him to Joopiter and how the auction house is approaching curation, accessibility, and collectibility differently from more traditional players in the space. Ariel and Nate explore how the growth of online marketplaces, social media, collecting communities, and private sales has transformed the way watches are discovered, bought, and sold. They discuss the challenge of bringing attention to great watches that fall outside the usual Rolex and Patek Philippe conversation, the importance of giving collectors context around what makes a watch interesting, and the opportunities created by curating watches alongside other areas of culture and collecting. Nate also discusses Joopiter’s connection to founder Pharrell Williams, its efforts to make auctions more approachable, and why provenance and personal connections can make private consignments especially compelling. Learn more about Nate and Joopiter: Joopiter Website - https://www.joopiter.com/ Nate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielborgelt/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ - Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: [00:34] Introduction to Nate Borgelt and Joopiter [03:52] What Makes Joopiter Different? [08:50] Nate’s Career in Watch Auctions [16:06] Osvaldo Patrizzi and the Evolution of Watch Auctions [25:33] The Importance of Curation and Storytelling [32:19] Finding Value Beyond the Usual Collectible Watches [37:22] How Collectors Decide What to Buy [40:49] Bringing Attention to Overlooked Watches [45:16] Mixing Watches With Other Collectible Categories [49:20] Pharrell Williams and Joopiter [53:41] Making Watch Auctions More Accessible [56:00] The Joopiter Marketplace [58:08] How Watches Make It to Auction [59:41] Dealers, Private Sellers, and Provenance [1:03:56] Where to Learn More About Joopiter
