London calling: AstaGuru Auction House enters UK market with first auction in May

Auction house AstaGuru has opened a base in London, marking its first formal move into the UK market and a broader push into Europe. The company says the expansion is aimed at reaching a growing pool of collectors and investors in the region.

To lead the expansion, the company has appointed Laryssa Jesse as managing director for the UK and Tim Bourne as international director and global head of watches. Both bring experience in the auction and watch markets, and are expected to oversee the development of the company’s European presence. Additional hires are planned in the coming months as the London team grows.

"By leveraging our expertise across art, jewellery, watches, and luxury collectibles on a native, digital-first platform, we are making high-value collecting more accessible and transparent for a new generation of global collectors who value data-driven insights, curated excellence, and seamless client experiences,” shares Jesse.


The expansion will formalize with AstaGuru’s first UK auction event, scheduled for the 27th of May 2026. This landmark sale will showcase the house’s expertise in Fine Watches, featuring high-complication timepieces from iconic watchmakers, with more details to be announced in April.

"The auction in May is just the start of connecting collectors worldwide with exceptional watches, art, and luxury collectibles. The market is evolving rapidly, and our platform makes it easier than ever for collectors, whether seasoned or emerging, to participate,” adds Bourne.

To coincide with the launch, AstaGuru will organise a series of private viewings and talks in London over the spring. These events are expected to introduce prospective clients to the company’s offering and provide background on collecting across categories, including watches, art and other luxury objects