More than 300 vintage Omega watches were auctioned at Antiquorum’s ‘Omegamania’ held on 14-15 April 2007. Among the auctioned items there was the Planet Ocean watch ‘staring’ in Casino Royale, the latest James Bond movie. The timepiece was featured on the wrist of James Bond performed by Daniel Craig. The exclusive event took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone in Geneva, Switzerland.
The sale reached remarkable results – a total of about $ 5.4 million – that is three times more it was initially estimated. Antiquorum, the leading horological auction sale, set a remarkable record – an Omega watch sold at auction for the highest price ever. The record-breaking timepiece was the brand’s Platinum Constellation Grand Luxe produced in 1953. A Swiss bidder became the watch’s owner, having offered over 413 thousand Swiss francs.
The auction was broadcast to the Basel watch and jewelery fair. Bidders could take part in the auction via a satellite link provided for the first time at a public auction. Moreover, 48,500 people from different parts of the world could watch the auction through internet. In fact, one third of all the lots were sold on-line.
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, the most recent ‘James Bond watch’ was the last item sold at the auction. The bidders interested in the timepiece came through intense bidding through room, phone and on-line. The watch was finally acquired by an anonymous UK buyer for the amazing price – CHF 250,250.
A ring watch, once worn by actress Ursula Andress, the original ‘Bond girl’, was also in the center of attention. The timepiece was designed by Andrew Grima back in 1972. It was acquired by a bidder at the Baselworld fair for the remarkable sum of money – CHF 261,750.
The auction presented two original Omega Speedmaster models. Speedmaster is notable for being the first and only timepiece ever on the moon. The models were acquired for the price 30 times more than their present-day retail price.
Omegamania organized by Antiquorum has proved that the Omega company enters the top list of watch brand highly demanded by collectors. The event, appreciated as a highlight in the brand’s history, revealed everyone interested the richest Omega heritage.