What separates admiration from true connoisseurship? Often, it is a single detail—the story behind an icon, an understanding of provenance, or the trained eye that knows precisely what to look for.

Sotheby’s is pleased to unveil The Art of Knowing: A One-Minute Masterclass, a new video series offering an insider’s guide to the world of luxury, presented in partnership with Luxury Group by Marriott International.

In just 60 seconds, Sotheby’s experts distill decades of specialist knowledge into essential lessons, revealing the timeless principles, collectors’ secrets, and nuanced details that distinguish the exceptional from the extraordinary.

Carl Chen, Sotheby's Watch Cataloguer, explores the nuances of rarity in watchmaking, unpacking what truly makes a timepiece stand apart. He delves into the three key factors every serious collector should know.

Vanessa Wat, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Head of Sale for Handbags & Fashion, explores the fascinating history behind one of the world’s most coveted handbag designs: the legendary Hermès Birkin.

The setting for the series offers a glimpse into the experiences still to come. Filmed at The St. Regis Hong Kong, the films unfold within André Fu’s interpretation of a refined Hong Kong mansion—a sophisticated meeting of the timeless elegance of St. Regis and the architectural and cultural character of the city.

George Lacey, Sotheby’s Head of Luxury Business Operations in Asia, turns to the world of wine, unpacking the quintessential concept of terroir and the profound influence of place on what ultimately reaches the glass.

Meanwhile Jane Ki, Sotheby’s Hong Kong International Specialist for Jewelry reveals the art behind a diamond’s sparkle, examining the three distinct qualities of light that give an exceptional stone its brilliance.

That spirit of discovery will extend beyond the screen in the lead-up to Hong Kong Luxury Week. The St. Regis Hong Kong, alongside other destinations within the Luxury Group portfolio, will host a series of educational masterclasses with Sotheby’s specialists, bringing the worlds of collecting, craftsmanship, and connoisseurship directly to guests. Participating properties include The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an, and The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, dramatically situated atop the International Commerce Centre as one of the world’s tallest hotels.

Learn more about the masterclasses.

The program is the latest chapter in Sotheby’s and Luxury Group by Marriott International’s global partnership, established in 2024 and united by a shared appreciation for extraordinary objects, remarkable destinations, and experiences shaped by expertise.

Across these destinations—and through experiences such as One-Minute Masterclass—Sotheby’s and Luxury Group invite audiences to look a little closer, know a little more, and discover the stories, craftsmanship, and expertise that make the world of luxury truly exceptional.