Bonham's Sharon Chan: Leading Asia's Luxury Watch Auctions with Passion and Power

In the high-stakes world of luxury watch auctions, where precision meets passion and heritage collides with innovation, Sharon Chan stands as a commanding figure. As Bonhams' Head of Watches, Asia, and one of the few women globally to wield the gavel in this arena, Chan has not only shattered glass ceilings but also redefined the culture of horology.

With over two decades of experience, a record-breaking auction portfolio, and an unyielding love for timepieces, she is a trailblazer whose influence extends far beyond the auction room. From championing bold watches for women to curating historic collections, Chan's story is one of resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—a narrative that resonates deeply in an era of women's empowerment and leadership.

A Passion Forged in Precision

Chan's foray into the world of luxury watches began with a fascination for the intricate mechanisms of historic pocket watches. "The delicate moving parts, the artistry of their design—it was like discovering a hidden world," she recalls, describing her transition from jewelry to horology. Her early career was marked by a pivotal moment: writing an article on the evolution of erotic automaton watches for a watch magazine in a blend of craftsmanship and narrative that would become a hallmark of her career.

Breaking into a male-dominated industry was no small feat. The watch industry, steeped in tradition, often presented barriers tied to gender. "Even today, it remains male-dominated," Chan acknowledges. Her approach was to maintain confidence and refuse to let gender define her worth. By staying passionate and earning credibility, she overcame longstanding attitudes, building a reputation as a formidable force in horology.

To young women aspiring to enter fields like horology or auctioneering, she offers: "Keep your head high. Never underestimate yourself because of your gender. You must believe you are equal to others—if you don't, others won't either." This advice, born from her personal path, has guided her ascent. By staying passionate and building credibility, Sharon overcame longstanding attitudes, earning respect as a formidable force in horology.

A Career of Milestones

Sharon's career spans decades and contents, each experience shaping her leadership style and vision. From her tenure at Sotheby's Hong Kong, where she served as Head of Watches from 2011 to 2016, to running her own watch business in 2017-18, and now leading Bonhams' watches team in Asia, she has cultivated a comprehensive perspective on the industry. "Decades in auctions and entrepreneurship have taught me that true success thrives on passionate, creative minds," she says. This philosophy shapes her leadership at Bonhams, where she has assembled a dynamic team of watchmaking experts and digital influencers to deliver innovative client experiences.

Her auction triumphs are legendary. In 2015, while at Sotheby's, Chan curated one of the world's largest private watch collections, which fetched a record-breaking $6 million. Reflecting on a different milestone, she highlights the 2024 auction of the Richard Mille RM27-01 Rafael Nadal, which set a house record at Bonhams. "From securing this rare, exceptional watch to achieving that record, it was about trust, collaboration, and calculated risk-taking," she explains. The moment was a testament to her strategic acumen and the strength of her team's global synergy. Personally, it was "deeply rewarding," a milestone that underscored her ability to turn vision into reality.

Perhaps her most unexpected triumph came with the auction of the world's largest private Swatch collection, comprising over 5,000 timepieces and artworks. "Swatch isn't typically associated with luxury auctions, so there was skepticism," Chan admits. Yet, her team's open-minded approach transformed doubt into a media frenzy and strong results. "Bringing the impossible to life—that's what I'm most proud of," she says, marking the event as a historic moment in horology.

Redefining Watch Culture for Women

Chan's influence extends beyond records and auctions; she is quietly revolutionizing the perception of women in watch collecting. Historically, women's watches were relegated to delicate, jewel-encrusted accessories. Chan, however, has championed bold, traditionally "men's" watches—like oversized Rolex Daytonas and Patek Philippes—for female buyers. "My personal style has become a means of influence," she notes. Her enthusiasm for these designs has inspired clients and friends alike, encouraging women to embrace statement pieces as expressions of individuality.

The response has been transformative. "We're seeing a rise in female collectors who view timepieces as personal statements," Chan observes. These women are knowledgeable, valuing craftsmanship, heritage, and functionality. By sharing her passion, Chan has not only broadened the horizons of female collectors but also influenced male clients to gift these striking pieces to their partners. "It's like being a taste influencer," she says with a smile, delighted by the shift toward experimentation.

As a female watch specialist, Chan leverages her position to make impactful connections. "More women are taking the lead in this industry," she says, and she sees her role as inspiring others to dive deep into the art of watchmaking. Her vision is bold: "I believe female collectors will be instrumental in driving market growth and shaping the future of this industry." Through her advocacy, Chan is not just selling watches—she's fostering a cultural shift, empowering women to claim their space in a once-exclusive domain.

The Heart of Horology

At the core of Chan's success is her personal connection to horology. As an obsessed collector herself, she treasures two watches above all. The first, a Richard Mille RM005-FM, was a farewell gift to herself when leaving a previous auction house. "Its lightness and the journey it represents mean so much," she shares. The second, a Patek Philippe 5026R, was a gift from a friend of her late father when she launched her own business. Accompanying the watch was advice that still resonates: "Never lose your passion, and don't place too much emphasis on profit early on—building client trust is what matters most."

This ethos permeates her work. Chan's ability to connect with clients through shared passion, rather than just expertise, sets her apart. She recalls a client who, after three years of persistent engagement, entrusted her with a significant consignment. "Facing rejection is common in this industry," she says, "but persistence pays off." Her approach—rooted in trust and understanding—has built lasting relationships that fuel her success.

What keeps Chan engaged after more than two decades? "Horology in the auction business is endlessly fascinating," she says. Working with historic watches and clocks, witnessing the evolution of technology, and forging personal connections with clients all deepen her passion. Each timepiece tells a story, and Chan is both its curator and storyteller.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Chan sees a vibrant future for the luxury watch market in Asia. "The next 5-10 years will bring greater accessibility and innovation," she predicts, citing trends like digital integration and sustainable craftsmanship. Her own goals are equally ambitious: she aims to build an efficient private sale platform to complement Bonhams' auctions, addressing clients' evolving needs, while exploring auctioneering opportunities globally.

As a trailblazer, Chan's message to aspiring women is clear: "Dare to dream. Don't limit yourself." She encourages pushing boundaries, even in fields not traditionally pursued by women. Her own journey exemplifies this ethos. "Never take 'no' as a final answer," she advises. "Whether in watch collecting or beyond, success lies in resilience and determination."

A Legacy in Time

Sharon Chan's story is more than a chronicle of auction records or industry firsts; it's a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and vision. In a world where time is both currency and art, she has carved out a space where women can not only participate but lead. From the intricate mechanisms of pocket watches to the bold designs of modern timepieces, Chan's love for horology is matched only by her commitment to empowering others. As she continues to shape the future of luxury watches, one thing is certain: Sharon Chan is not just keeping time—she's redefining it.