Auctions

The King’s Omega Watch Sets an Auction Record

AuctionsMay 15, 2018

The King’s Omega Watch Sets an Auction Record

Elvis’ white gold and diamond wristwatch went for $1.8 million, setting a new record for an Omega at auction.

20180515_Elvis-Omega.jpg
The Omega “Elvis Presley” watch seen here was given to the musician in 1961 to mark selling 75 million albums. It garnered $1.8 million at auction in Geneva over the weekend.

Geneva--The watch given to the King of Rock and Roll to mark a major milestone is now the most expensive Omega timepiece sold at auction.

As part of the “Geneva Watch Auction: Seven” sale held over the weekend, Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo, offered the historically important Omega “Elvis Presley” watch that RCA Records gave the singer in 1961. It sold for CHF 1.8 million ($1.8 million).

Phillips beat its own record for most expensive Omega timepiece ever sold at auction, previously held by a stainless steel Omega tourbillon that sold for CHF 1.4 million during “Geneva Watch Auction: Six” in November 2017.

Presley signed with recording label RCA Records in 1955, launching a career that would make him a music phenomenon who would go on to sell an unprecedented amount of records.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1958 to 1960, but RCA continued to release songs that had been pre-recorded in anticipation of his absence.

By Christmas of 1960, Presley had two movies in theaters as well as the No. 1 music single in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Still, RCA was eager for his return.

According to Phillips, Presley reached a record 75 million albums sold on Dec. 25, 1960.

To celebrate this event and re-establish the Memphis resident as a performer, RCA planned a celebratory charity event and concert on Feb. 25, 1961, which the governor of Tennessee dubbed “Elvis Presley Day.”

It was there RCA presented Presley with the 18-karat white gold and diamond Omega wristwatch, which was purchased at Tiffany & Co. The case back, as seen below, is inscribed: “To Elvis, 75 Million Records, RCA Victor, 12-25-60.”




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, with a few of them coming up at auction in the past, though Phillips noted this one is unique in marking such a significant achievement in his career.

Presley was photographed wearing the watch at the charity concert, and the Elvis Presley Museum also gave it certificates of authenticity.

The sale in which the timepiece was sold was part of an auction weekend that brought in a total of CHF 45 million ($45 million) for Phillips.

“Geneva

Watch Auction: Seven” totaled CHF 23 million ($23 million), while the “Daytona Ultimatum” sale, featuring 32 rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona timepieces in a sale curated by renowned watch scholar Pucci Papaleo, totaled CHF 22.2 million ($22.2 million).

In addition to the Elvis Omega, records set over the weekend included the $5.9 million sale of “The Unicorn” Rolex at the Daytona sale, which became the second most expensive Rolex sold at auction, and the highest result achieved by an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece at auction with the sale of a unique stainless steel “1815 Homage to Walter Lange” for CHF 852,500 (about $849,700).
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy