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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
SourcingMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
