A Century of Omega Watch History at Paris Auction

Do you really know the brand Omega? Of course, you’ll automatically think of MoonWatch, space shuttles, the Olympics… even actor George Clooney. But that would actually be rather simplistic given the age of the house, whose clocks have gone through many different faces over the decades.

It is all these aspects, more than a century of watchmaking history, that the dispersion of 126 Omega watches from the collections of Joel Duval, formerly the creator of Forum à Montres, allows us to rediscover. From pocket watches to astronaut watches, the lots on offer range from 1890 to 2012. “It’s 110 years of Omega’s history, explains Alexandre Léger, CEA expert at Vermot & Associés for this sale. I didn’t want to do a chronological sale, so it’s divided by universe. With this sale catalog, I tried to offer a snapshot of the Omega collection at a particular time, focusing on each piece to explain its interest. Each time there is an aesthetic, technical and historical description of the part as well as a condition report. For me, these are not speculation or impact watches. I want people to have fun buying them at this price, even with a 25% fee and a €300 review. »

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It is true that the proposed estimates are the most reasonable. “I wanted this sale to pay tribute to Joel Duval, who shared his passion at the Forum à Montres and attracted many young people to this place, explains Alexander Leger. It’s a collectible life. Owning a nice watch that belonged to him, even at a reasonable price, is also a way of paying respect. »

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So James Bond fans may be tempted by Lottery 25, Dynamic “Pierce Brosnan’s Choice” Ref. 175.0310. 1995 automatic movement steel chronograph sports watch, 38mm diameter. (1000 / 1600 €). Taking its name from an iconic 1970s model, this sports chronograph combined extreme durability with perfect legibility. In its “Choice” advertising campaign, the brand showed this watch on the wrist of actor Pierce Brosnan, who played the role of James Bond four times between 1995 and 2002.
Lot 26 is a classic, Seamaster 300 – ‘James Bond GoldenEyes – HP Event’, a fabulous steel diving watch with automatic movement, midnight blue dial. (€1300 / €1800) This 40mm piece has an unusual HP Event laser engraving (for Hewlett-Packard) below the horn, possibly commissioned by an IT company to reward an employee.

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Lovers of vintage style may be tempted by lot 122, De Ville – Dynamic “dark blue moiré slate” reference 166.0145. 39mm Automatic Movement Steel City Watch (€400/€700). We will also notice the stunning “Belgian – Ultimo” Ranchero – reference 166.0218. City watch in steel with automatic movement from 1976, diameter 35 mm (€400/800) Indeed, in 1976 the Ultimo principal agent in Brussels asked the Swiss manufacturer to produce a “first prize” to promote the Seamaster collection. .

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Lot 101 is a fine Seamaster ‘Baby Ploprof’ in steel, reference 166.0251, apparently assembled by the Watch Co. (€1500/2000). The watch is in almost new condition with no scratches
Another time, another style, lot 82 is the Memomatic – reference 166.071, an automatic movement steel alarm clock with a steel tone cushion case. (800 / 1200 €) This 1970 wristwatch with alarm function features a double innovation. First, the automatic winding system simultaneously winds the watch and the alarm function. But it’s also the first alarm clock that can be programmed to the minute.

It is impossible to sell an Omega watch without a Speedmaster. this PréMoon Ed White – reference ST 105.003 – (lot 65) from 1966 with a diameter of 42 mm carries the legendary caliber 321. Without professional mention, it was nicknamed “Ed White”. a tribute to the astronaut who wore it during space missions. It is also this model that was tested by NASA in 1964.

Finally, history buffs may be tempted by the amazing 50mm Omega pocket watch (lot 56). It commemorates the presidential visit to Switzerland (€300/€600).
Indeed, Armand Fallier, President of the French Republic (1841 – 1931 / President 1906 – 1913) visited Switzerland on August 15 and 16, 1910. The dial of this watch commemorates this official visit.

Exhibition. (20 rue Drouot – Paris 9 – street)
Friday, September 23, 2022. 10:00-18:00.
Saturday, September 24, 2022. 10:00-18:00.
Sunday, September 25, 2022. 10:00-12:00.

Sale Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 20 rue Drouot 9 at 2:30 p.m. Broadcast live on Interenchères and Drouot.
Catalog at https://www.vermotetAssociés.com

Source: Le Figaro

Samuel