In the past couple of years FIDES, the investment group that owns the Geneva Hong Kong branches, has been carefully getting this group back on its feet. An interesting development since Antiquorum NY has been completely separated from Antiquorum Geneva Hong Kong, is the newest divide line has been drawn: the websites have been totally separated. The NY company is keeping the www.antiqurorum.com and Geneva has launched the new www.antiquorum.swiss to differentiate itself as a separate company. I thought it would be annoying, but it's really not. The Geneva based auction house has also launched its own app and looking forward to seeing how this new independence continues to evolve.FIDES has also announced the arrival of Romain Rea, a renowned French watch expert, as the CEO for the group. Romain has experience in the watch auction scene having been involved in France for decades. He is also a consulting expert for the historic departments of Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre and, more recently, Tudor. We have known Romain for years and he will attract fine watches and new clients to the organization, but also wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for vintage watches to the team. With a passion for niche brands, a firm knowledge vintage Patek, and Omega and his unique and sometimes even peculiar tastes, it will be interesting for us to see how the curation process will evolve for future auctions.Antiquorum IMPORTANT MODERN VINTAGE TIMEPIECESThe Antiquorum watch auction, which takes place on Sunday May 14th in Geneva, is comprised of 554 lots (as usual, the most among its peers). They usually hold their auction on Sunday and it was surprising that Sotheby's, which has been bouncing around dates and staff for a while, had the silly idea to hold their auction at the same time. The result is that Antiquorum will be holding their auction at the Kempinski hotel, as they used to a few years back, instead of the Mandarin Oriental.On a brighter note, I had a blast looking through watches in my private preview with Julien Schaerer, Managing Director and Watch Expert, here in Geneva. The catalog is large and it includes a fascinating collection of extraordinary and ornate pocket watches, musical objects and decorative items called the Emperor's Collection'. The collection did not belong to an emperor, but was rather given this name as it was truly fit for one. It was submitted by a Swiss gentleman and belonged to his father, who collected mostly in the 1960's and 70's. Although less popular' today than wristwatches, these historical items have incredible provenance, craftsmanship and some unique decorative techniques, which have almost disappeared today. This is a must see for any true watchmaking aficionado. The two Mandolins' are expected to be the highlight of the auction as their identical twins are already in museums. The other green Mandolin' like Lot 223 is in the Hans Wilsdorf collection and the other red Mandolin' like Lot 222 is at the Patek Philippe Museum. There is also a perfume pistol, Lot 227, which is breathtaking as well.?