OmegaxSwatch: ExtraordinaryLunar table
What makes this auction so remarkable has to be traced back to the Moonswatch watches that came on sale in March 2022. This collection introduces the OMEGA Speedmaster professional moon watch, which is popular with watch fans, connoisseurs and collectors, into the Swatch product system. As part of all NASA manned space missions, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is the only watch worn to walk the surface of the moon, trusted by astronauts for professional performance and precision. The collaboration between OMEGA and Swatch brings a richer range of colors and design elements to the Moonwatch.
It was revealed that the idea originally came from Nick Hayek, the global CEO of the Swatch Group, who revealed that the research and development was carried out in secret, and that only a very small number of people from the Omega and Swatch brands joined the secret team he led codenamed "Project Galileo". In the end, the Swatch Group has put a lot of effort into the launch of a total of 11 models, each named after the celestial bodies in the solar system: the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, the Moon, Pluto, and different planets reveal their different design styles and inspirations. As soon as it was listed, it caused a strong response among fans around the world, and its popularity has not subsided.
mission to moonshine gold: The Mystery of the Full Moon
As a popular model, Moonswatch has launched a series of even more unique new products in 2023 - Mission to Moonshine Gold. Launched monthly, these models feature a chronograph seconds hand plated with Moonshine 18K gold and are designed to celebrate the full moon with different designs and elements.
Moonshine Gold is an exclusive OMEGA 18k gold material inspired by the golden moonlight of a full moon, slightly lighter than the traditional yellow gold, but with a longer lasting color that does not fade over time. Launched in 2019 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Speedmaster's moon landing, the material was first used in the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition of that year, so it is considered by connoisseurs to be inextricably linked to the moon or the distant universe.
As part of a new collection of 11 watches, the chronograph seconds hand has been given an interesting design twist: take a closer look at the arrow-slender Moonshine 18K gold chronograph seconds hand, which is designed with fantastical colors from different cultures, such as the change of the luminescent coating to pink. Or add a strawberry motif to the second hand to make people feel the different cultural connotations behind it.
The "cold moon" hand, which symbolizes the full moon in December, is engraved with a snowflake pattern and a white snowflake printed on the diamond-shaped luminescent coating. 23 There is also a watch with a "lollipop" hand, inspired by the 1961 OMEGA Speedmaster CK2998.
The 11 Moonswatch "Mission to Moonshine Gold" suitcase sets have now been sold at Sotheby's public online auction. Previously, people could see the brand*** in 11 cities around the world, located in Zurich, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, London, Milan, Paris and Sydney. The side of the watch in each city set is engraved with the city's three airlines**, such as PEK in Beijing. The auction set is presented in a specially made suitcase and is also popular with many watch friends and collectors.
Donate money to help restore your sight
It is worth noting that nearly 4.4 million RMB from the auction will be donated to Orbis International, a long-term partner of Omega.
Orbis International is dedicated to the global fight against preventable blindness, and for children who are sick, many of them see their parents, the moon and the stars for the first time through Orbis. Through its various programs and the Flying Eye Hospital, Orbis International has provided millions of people with eye diseases** and trained ophthalmology professionals in areas of the world that are in great need. Interestingly, at the same time, Omega also provided each of the rescued little patients with a cute teddy bear, which was able to assist the doctor in explaining the procedure to the patient and bring comfort to the children.
OMEGA has been a strong supporter of the organization since 2011 and has issued a number of Orbis watches in particular and donated a portion of the proceeds from their sales to the organization, which are now classics in the hearts of collectors. Among the people who participated in the auction of the Moonswatch watch suitcase set, there were probably many owners of the Omega Orbis model.
On 24 February, 11 sets of Moonswatch "Mission to Moonshine Gold" suitcases were auctioned off by Omega on Sotheby's website, and finally sold for a total of nearly 4.4 million RMB (CHF 534,670). Among them, the highest transaction is the Beijing suit. After 62 fierce bidding, the final price was 60,960 Swiss francs, equivalent to about 49 yuan80 thousand. In addition, after 44 bids, the New York set was finally sold for 57,150 Swiss francs, equivalent to about 46 yuan70 thousand. After 50 bids, the Zurich set was finally sold for 50,800 Swiss francs, equivalent to about 41 yuan40 thousand.
From left to right: Derek President and CEO of Orbis International and Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA
Commenting on this, Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, said: "This unique auction has attracted the keen attention of MoonsWatch watch enthusiasts around the world. We are very pleased to be able to donate all proceeds from the auction to Orbis International. OMEGA is a firm believer in Orbis' mission for preventable blindness** and we are proud to raise funds for Orbis' cause and raise awareness of it. (I Shang Zhou).