Viewing windows and condition reports are where auction calendar planning turns into object-level research.
Written and maintained by Laurens Lokker, HammerAlert founder. Last updated: 15 June 2026.
A sale date tells you when bidding happens. A viewing window tells you when the research can still be improved. For art, jewellery, watches, design and books, that difference matters.
If a sale is important, add the viewing period to your calendar before the auction date itself. Waiting until the catalogue closes can leave no time for inspection, shipping questions or adviser review.
A condition report is usually a house-provided opinion, not a warranty. It can flag restoration, wear, relining, movement issues, missing stones, later mounts, foxing or surface marks, but it may not answer every collecting question.
Good requests are specific. Ask about the exact area, component or comparison that affects your decision, and keep the house’s written response with your bid notes.
A poster, a wristwatch, a porcelain vase and a painting need different checks. The calendar helps you see which sale is coming; the viewing and report process decides whether a lot is actually bid-ready.
When the calendar is crowded, prioritise the lots where condition has the largest effect on value or where in-person viewing is realistic.
A viewing is the preview period when lots can be inspected before the auction.
It helps, but high-value or condition-sensitive lots may still need in-person inspection or specialist advice.
As soon as the catalogue is live and before the final bidding day, especially in busy sale weeks.