AuctionsFeb 22, 2024
Elton John’s Leopard-Print Rolex Roars at AuctionAuctionsFeb 27, 2024
Sotheby’s MoonSwatch Suitcases Sell for Over $600K
The auction house sold all 11 “MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold” suitcases, donating the proceeds to eye care nonprofit Orbis International.
Each of the 11 suitcases contained 11 MoonSwatch watches, the popular timepiece that Omega and Swatch collaborated to make.
New York—Sotheby’s recent MoonSwatch auction was a white-glove sale.
The auction house, in partnership with Omega, hosted an online sale from Feb. 12-24 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, both Swatch Group-owned brands, made headlines when it was released in March 2022, drawing huge crowds and long lines.
Last year, they launched Mission to Moonshine Gold versions, debuting 11 watches with the seconds hand coated in 18-karat “Moonshine” gold, an in-house alloy of yellow gold.
The auction marked the first time all the models were offered together in one set, in a suitcase that normally is just used for show in Swatch stores.
All 11 suitcases sold for a total of 534,670 CHF ($606,885), with all proceeds going to Orbis International, a nonprofit that works to prevent avoidable blindness and vision loss around the world.
Related stories will be right here …
The auction house, in partnership with Omega, hosted an online sale from Feb. 12-24 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, both Swatch Group-owned brands, made headlines when it was released in March 2022, drawing huge crowds and long lines.
Last year, they launched Mission to Moonshine Gold versions, debuting 11 watches with the seconds hand coated in 18-karat “Moonshine” gold, an in-house alloy of yellow gold.
The auction marked the first time all the models were offered together in one set, in a suitcase that normally is just used for show in Swatch stores.
All 11 suitcases sold for a total of 534,670 CHF ($606,885), with all proceeds going to Orbis International, a nonprofit that works to prevent avoidable blindness and vision loss around the world.
“This unique auction really captured the imagination of MoonSwatch fans around the world,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO of Omega.
“We’re so thrilled that the proceeds can now go to Orbis. We believe whole heartedly in their eye care mission, and we’re so pleased to have raised money as well as awareness for their work.”
The suitcases up for auction were 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.
Each suitcase had a pre-sale estimate of 5,000 to 10,000 CHF ($5,675 to $11,351), but the “Beijing” suitcase was the top lot, selling for 60,960 CHF ($69,198).
The “New York” suitcase was in second place, followed by Paris and then Zurich, with Milan and Bangkok tied for the No. 5 spot.
Prior to the auction, the 11 suitcases were on display at Omega stores in 11 cities around the world: Zurich, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Sydney.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
