Sotheby’s to Auction Suitcases Filled with MoonSwatch Watches
Enthusiasts can collect all 11 Omega x Swatch “Mission to Moonshine Gold” timepieces, with proceeds going to charity.
From Feb. 12-24, the next full moon, the auction house will host an online sale in partnership with Omega, offering 11 “MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold” suitcases, each filled with all 11 Omega x Swatch Mission to Moonshine Gold timepieces.
The original MoonSwatch collection by Omega and Swatch, two brands owned by Swatch Group, made headlines in March 2022, drawing huge crowds and long lines for its watches.
The models were inspired by the colors of space and the planets and pay tribute to the Omega Speedmaster design but in Swatch’s more affordable bioceramic plastic case.
Last year, the brand launched “Mission to Moonshine Gold” versions, debuting 11 watches featuring a seconds hand coated in 18-karat “Moonshine” gold, an in-house alloy of yellow gold.
Each of the Moonshine Gold hands have their own special detail, said Omega, like a strawberry pattern for the Strawberry Moon in July and a flower pattern for the Flower Moon in May.
There’s also a lollipop design, a throwback to the Speedmaster CK2998 watch from 1961.
“This is the very first time that these rare models are offered together in one set, and the first time that the special suitcase is available to buy, giving fans the chance to own a truly unique compilation,” said Omega.
When the line first launched in 2022, Swatch featured closed suitcases in its window displays, recalled Hodinkee, and now most Swatch stores will have a briefcase of MoonSwatch models, but the case is not for sale.
The suitcases up for auction are unique, with each one holding a one-of-a-kind coin engraved with the 3-letter aviation code for its displayed city, like HKG for Hong Kong. That code for that particular city is also engraved on the side of each watch in the suitcase.
The suitcases also contain a golden monocle with the Omega x Swatch logo.
All of the auction proceeds will be given to Orbis International, a nonprofit that works to prevent avoidable blindness and vision loss around the world.
“Orbis’ work is especially valuable for children, allowing many of them to see their parents, the moon, and the stars for the very first time,” said Omega, who has been partnering with the charity since 2011.
Prior to the auction, the 11 suitcases will go on display from Feb. 1-11 at 11 Omega stores in cities around the world, including Zurich, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Sydney.
The Latest
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.