MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
AuctionsFeb 21, 2018
Elvis Presley’s Omega up for Auction at Phillips
RCA Records gave the King an 18-karat white gold and diamond watch in 1961 to celebrate selling 75 million records.
This 18-karat white gold and diamond Omega wristwatch given to Elvis Presley by his recording company in 1961 will hit the auction block this spring.
Geneva--The King’s Omega watch that marked 75 million records sold is going up for auction this spring.
As part of the “Geneva Watch Auction: Seven” sale scheduled for May 12 and 13 in Geneva, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will offer the historically important Omega “Elvis Presley” watch that RCA Records gave him in 1961.
Presley signed with the recording label in 1955, launching a career that would make him a music phenomenon who would go on to sell an unprecedented amount of records.
The year 1960 proved to be a pivotal one for Presley.
Though he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1958 and 1960, RCA continued to release songs that had been pre-recorded in anticipation of his absence.
By Christmas of 1960, he had two movies in theaters, “Flaming Stars” and “G.I. Blues,” as well as the No. 1 single in the United States with “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and in the U.K. with “It’s Now Or Never,” but, still, RCA was eager for his return.
It was on Dec. 25, 1960, according to Phillips, that Presley reached a record 75 million albums sold.
To celebrate this event and to re-establish the Memphis resident as a performer, RCA arranged a celebratory charity event and concert on Feb. 25, 1961, which the governor of Tennessee at that time, Buford Ellington, dubbed “Elvis Presley Day.”
RCA presented Presley with a plaque to commemorate the milestone that still hangs at Graceland today. Accompanying it was the 18-karat white gold and diamond Omega wristwatch, which was purchased at Tiffany & Co.
The case back is inscribed: “To Elvis, 75 Million Records, RCA Victor, 12-25-60.”
The watch houses a manually wound Omega calibre 510, stamped with the “OXG” import code for the United States. The bezel is set with 44 round brilliant diamonds, which accent the silver dial.
The watch will be sold with certificates of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum and a book titled “Elvis,” by Dave Marsh, which includes images of the star wearing this watch.
According to Phillips, the watch was given to the current owner’s uncle by Presley, who traded him the Omega for his diamond-set Hamilton.
Phillips said Presley was known to give away some of the watches he bought or was given, and a few of them have come up at auction in the past.
An Omega Black Dial Constellation Calendar nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate
at Antiquorum in 2014 when it sold for $37,500. The stainless steel and pink gold-capped chronometer was owned by Presley until he gave it to his friend and fellow musician Charlie Hodge, who died in 2006.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
