Top 10 buys for 2024: Where to invest (and why) according to auction experts

Amsterdam, 07 December - 2024 is sure to bring social, economic, political and ecological upheaval, but the passion to explore, to discover, to ignite curiosity, the forces that drive collectors, will persist as the online auction market continues to grow. The What to Buy Guide from Catawiki, authored by New York Times journalist Nina Siegal, is designed to offer concrete tips for these individuals on what to buy in 2024, based on the marketplace’s own specialist’s knowledge.  


Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, sees 75,000 objects reviewed and selected by 300 in-house experts each week. These experts have been observing market currents, exploring how the distinct divide between public and private will influence investments and the impact of cultural events such as the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Marvel Comics Universe movies and Mattel toy-based films.


As the clock turns toward 2024, below are the 10 objects to buy next year according to Catawiki experts:


Single-Vintage Armagnac

In recent years, prices of new releases of single-vintage Armagnac have skyrocketed, mostly due to high demand in Asia and limited stock. That classic supply and demand crunch hasn’t occurred yet in Europe, however, and prices of older bottlings of single-vintage Armagnac haven't caught up.


Bohème Line MontBlanc pens 

The Bohème series of MontBlanc pens from the early 2000s – since discontinued – has been getting more attention from collectors, but not everyone has their eye on these pens yet, so it is still possible to pick these up when lucky at a very reasonable price.


Ercuis Silverware 

Ercuis items, such as cutlery, can be cherished for a lifetime and beyond, passed down from one generation to another,” said Catawiki Tableware Expert Emma Demuynck. “However, despite their significant value, these items are often underestimated.” Among other reasons, this is because Ercuis doesn’t have as large a distribution network as its competitors. “Nevertheless, the undeniable quality of their products remains,” said Demuynck.


Sonia Delaunay Prints 

Some women artists who are crucial to art history are still undervalued, said Classical and Modern Art Expert Aude Fonlupt. Unsigned prints by Delaunay, who was the first living female artist to have a retrospective at the Louvre in 1964, can still be found for €200, while those with her original signature are available for €2,000. 



Thierry Mugler Cut-Out Dresses

The spring and summer runway shows for Thierry Mugler caused a sensation this year with minimalist, sleek, black designs. But nothing made more of an impression than his sheer dresses with black cut-outs, said Catawiki Fashion Expert Fleur Feijen.


Selmer Saxophones

Henri Selmer’s Paris-based shop made famed saxophones, including the famed Mark VI, which helped jazz legend Ornette Coleman create his signature sound. And today, more people are looking for organic sounds, leading to a 20% growth in musical instruments sales on Catawiki in the last year. 


Jonathan Bocca Lamps 

Italian contemporary designer Bocca creates fun, functional objects out of papier-maché. His playful aesthetic fits in with the younger generation of designers, who “tend to be more positive and optimistic about the future,” said Floret. 


Asterix Leblon-Delienne 

A new generation of collectors are driving prices of Asterix, a French comic icon, through the roof, said Catawiki Comics Expert Louis Girard. “The artist who drew Asterix was in his 90s when he passed away in 2020. After the death of someone like that, the market for their work goes up,” notes Girard. 


Mr. Brainwash Screen Prints 

By combining elements of Andy Warhol and Bansky, but featuring portraits of culture icons such as Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson and Mohammed Ali, “Mr. Brainwash is really pop culture,” said Dupasquier. His screen prints start at a reasonable €500 and are expected to maintain a strong market.



Ancient Olympic Coins 

Various ancient Greek coins commemorate the competition that was first held in Olympia around 776 BCE. Some of these ancient coins “are relatively common”, said Catawiki Coins Expert Willem Knapen, but during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he predicted they will increase in popularity and value.   



Ravi Vora, Catawiki CEO said, “At Catawiki, we have access to profound wealth. That is the deep knowledge encompassed by our hundreds of in-house experts, each with long standing expertise in their category, from art, to design, classic cars, collectables and much more. This year we wanted to do something special - we asked our experts what people should be on the lookout for next year. The result is an informative guide to special objects not to be missed in 2024, dedicated to our millions of buyers.”



Explore Insider Tips from Catawiki Experts: The Guide on What to Buy (and Why) in 2024 in full here



ENDS



Editors Notes

All object and Catawiki expert images can be downloaded here


Methodology

This report was based on an initial survey of Catawiki's experts, using an online questionnaire, and developed through dozens of interviews. It includes the most recent company data on sales from 2022-2023, supported by market research. The themes and items selected for this report were chosen based on careful consideration and are meant to represent a small fraction of what’s available through Catawiki. The world changes, and values and prices change, but Catawiki’s experts are sharing their best estimations for the year ahead, 2024.



About Catawiki

Catawiki is the leading online marketplace for special objects that fulfil people’s passions. Over 75,000 objects are offered in auction every week - each reviewed and selected by one of Catawiki’s hundreds of in-house experts specialised in Art, Design, Jewellery, Fashion, Classic Cars, Collectables and much more. Catawiki is headquartered in Amsterdam with over 750 employees across the world. Fulfil your passion on catawiki.com or download the app.



Full Object Appendix 

#1: Overlooked, underestimated


  • Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S 
  • Armagnac
  • 1960s vintage Omega watches
  • Jura region natural wines
  • Eileen Gray lounge chairs 
  • Aged Late Bottled Vintage port 
  • Bohème Line MontBlanc pens 
  • Ercuis silverware
  • Sonia Delaunay prints


#2: All things Olympian


  • Ancient Olympic coins
  • Match-worn jerseys
  • Classical busts and statues
  • Signed GOAT memorabilia 
  • Olympic Games Paris 2024 coins
  • Omega Olympic Games watches
  • Rookie memorabilia 


#3: Understated, quality fashion


  • No-logo bags
  • Small-case watches 
  • Thierry Mugler cut-out dresses
  • Max Mara wool coats
  • Jitrois leather jackets
  • Tod’s suede shoes for men 
  • Loro Piana cashmere scarves


#4: Big art, bold statements 


  • XXL contemporary paintings by living artists such as Vladinsky, Michele Telari, Nush Menna, Ivan Pili, Paolo Camporota, Jara Marzulli, Elisabetta Palmisciano. 
  • Large display African masks
  • Sandra Keja Planken tapestry 
  • Fibreglass outdoor sculptures 
  • Porsche illuminated dealership signs 
  • Meiji byōbu screens
  • Jonathan Bocca lamps
  • 'La Michetta' sofa by Gaetano Pesce 


#5: Anti-AI, human tech


  • 1970s Fender Rhodes keyboard
  • Leica M6 cameras 
  • Selmer saxophones
  • Sony DSC-T7 cameras 
  • First pressings of 1990s vinyl records 
  • Mercedes 190E 2.5 16v Evolution II 
  • Yamaha RD500LC sports motorcycle


#6: Solid gold 


  • Natural gold nuggets
  • King Midas Rolex bracelet wristwatch
  • Bullion
  • Loose diamonds 
  • Marco Bicego Lunaria necklace 
  • Pristine condition banknotes


#7: Pop icons remixed


  • Dillon Boy’s Superman and Wonder Woman paintings
  • Medicom Bearbrick
  • Mr. Brainwash screen prints
  • 1960s and 1980s ‘Daredevil’ comics 
  • Asterix Leblon-Delienne 
  • Shepard Fairey “Obey” posters 
  • Vintage 007 collectables