A luxury retail hub for collectors and connoisseurs of fine art, jewellery and other rare objects, Sotheby’s Salon turns into a unique space this August, fostering a community where buyers can connect, share insight and hold private consultations with in-house experts about their next purchase.
The Luxury Pop-Up selling exhibition is a bespoke collection of refined goods, blending auction expertise with a curated shopping experience where clients can choose from a selection of the finest jewellery, watches, rare maps and books. Serving as an extension of the New Bond Street Salon, The Luxury Pop-Up is the venue to consider this summer, for those who wish to acquire exclusive Hermès handbags or add to their collection limited edition timepieces by Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe, amongst others. Fine jewellery will also be strongly represented by London designer Hannah Martin, known for her unconventional, eccentric and edgy jewellery pieces.
Icons in an Iconic Space
Hermès White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware, 2019
With or without diamonds, Himalaya Birkins are a rare find for collectors and as ever in high demand – not purely as a fashion statement but as a celebration of craft, rarity, and elegance.
Made out of crocodile skin dyed in a white and grey gradient, this 2019 Hermès White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 Palladium Hardware is a remarkable example of Hermès’ most elusive creation. Rendered in matte Niloticus crocodile and finished with cool palladium hardware, the bag is intended to evoke the white-capped peaks of the Himalaya Mountains. The name 'Himalaya' refers not to origin but to the delicate gradation of colour – a feat of dyeing mastery that mimics the snow-capped peaks fading into rocky grey. The process is famously complex and time-consuming, as the palest tones are among the most challenging to achieve. A striking blend of superlative design and fabulous materials, this prototype is the ultimate expression of artistry and tradition of the Hermès maison.
The bag’s interior is lined in Gris Cendré and comes complete with its original accessories, including the clochette, lock, keys, rain protector, dust bag and box. Measuring 30 x 22 x 16 cm, it remains in very good condition – protective plastic is still present on most hardware.
Himalaya Birkins continue to outperform other exotic Birkins in the secondary market. In 2021, the Himalaya Birkin 25 was the most sought-after size and sold for over $300,000 at Sotheby's, while this desirable 30cm model can command figures around $150,000 depending on condition. A true investment piece and a paragon of luxury, the Himalaya Birkin remains a collecting phenomenon.
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Mini Constance 18 Palladium Hardware, 2018
Hermès’ association with Ostrich leather – farmed in South Africa – dates back to the 1920s, when the brand started experimenting with exotic skins to elevate its collections. Characterised by distinctive quills and supple finish, Ostrich leather soon became a hallmark of Hermès’ commitment to luxury and exclusivity.
This 2018 Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Mini Constance is a practical, urban bag for women with a confident stride. Thanks to its ingenious sliding strap, it can effortlessly be worn against the hip or on the shoulder. It is constructed in Rose Tyrien Ostrich with Palladium Hardware, with the interiors done in Rose Tyrien tonal leather, and features two partitioned compartments, each with a slip pocket. It has a clever and functional flap top with an H-shaped clasp, opened and closed by a spring mechanism concealed on each side of the metal bar attached to the flap. The H clasp is homogenous, simple yet versatile, lending the bag elegance and movement. Measuring 18 x 15 x 6 cm, the Mini Constance retains its undisputed value in the secondary market, not only as a rare find but a timeless investment. Following Hermès’ decision to reintroduce regular production of the Constance in ostrich leather in 2018, the 18cm model has become slightly more accessible, but despite its availability, values have not diminished. The 18cm version is now consistently fetching between $17,000 and $19,000 at auction, reaffirming the enduring popularity of the Constance silhouette and the appeal of ostrich leather.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
A curated blend of sporty aesthetics and sophisticated functionality, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Reference 42040/423A embodies the spirit of refined travel. Crafted in stainless steel with a 37mm case, this 2011 automatic wristwatch has a rich blue dial with clean stick numerals and a practical date complication. It comes with a stainless steel bracelet, secured with a double-fold clasp, offering both durability and everyday comfort. The Overseas collection balances versatility with robust construction and effortless wearability, fully retaining its classical nautical elements that drive the “Overseas” theme.
Ergonomics and ease of use make this timepiece practical and unique, while the self-winding mechanical movements, a generous power reserve, and protection against magnetic disturbances also boast its remarkable reliability and durability. The watch captures the brand’s philosophy of worldly elegance, inherited from François Constantin, and its enduring appeal reflects both heritage and purpose. Priced at $17,500, it remains a default choice for collectors.
For more than two centuries, Vacheron Constantin has earned a stellar reputation for pioneering horological complications and shaping the evolution of watch design.
Final Thought
Sotheby’s Salon on New Bond Street is an interactive space offering a curated assortment of retail finesse, serving as a cross-category luxury destination for exclusive brands and coveted products of remarkable provenance. With comprehensive services available for clients worldwide, Sotheby’s offers estimates and insurance valuations for all collecting categories and can also advise on shipping. The London headquarters includes Sotheby's Restaurant and The Story Café, operating as a social hub for enthusiasts and art lovers alike, where collectors and visitors gather, dine and indulge in their passions for all things luxury, in true Sotheby’s spirit.
