Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, the world’s leading watch auction house, announces a new world record for the highest result ever achieved for an Omega timepiece sold at auction. This new milestone was set on 12 May in Geneva during the first session of Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN, beating its own previous record - a stainless steel Omega tourbillon, that sold for CHF 1.4 million during Geneva Watch Auction: SIX in November 2017.
The most important Elvis Presley-owned timepiece to ever appear on the market, this Omega timepiece retailed by Tiffany & Co. in 1961 sold for CHF 1,812,500 (€1,517,243 / US$1,812,318). Collectors from around the world took part in its impressive sale that was an exciting climax during session one of Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN, finally selling a bidder in the room.
Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant, said: “It was a true honour to offer at auction this superb vintage Omega wristwatch owned and worn by Elvis Presley, the ‘King of Rock and Roll’. The world record result stems from the incredible combination of Elvis’s global appeal, its extraordinary provenance, and one of the most sought after collectors’ brands - Omega.”
Likely the first artist in history to have sold 75 million records, RCA Records arranged a celebration charity event and concert on February 1961 not only to award Elvis Presley for such a significant achievement, but also to re-establish Elvis as a performer. RCA Records gifted Elvis this prestigious, 18-karat white gold and diamond Omega wristwatch, purchased by them at Tiffany & Co – the famed American luxury retailer. The case back of the watch, reads “To Elvis, 75 Million Records, RCA Victor, 12-25-60.” The watch appears on his wrist in several photographs taken during his illustrious career.
