The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
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.

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
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).
The Latest

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.


The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.