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Two limited edition James Bond watches are amongst an extensive collection of watch memorabilia to be auctioned at Elstob Auctioneers’ first sale of 2024 on January 10, 2024.
The collection not only includes high value watches but also a large number of branded point of sale display signs and stands, sales literature, and a rare Omega letter confirming the Apollo 15 Moon Mission.
Of particular interest to collectors, is an unworn limited edition Omega James Bond Seamaster watch, which has a dive depth of 300m/1000ft and carries a price estimate of £5,000 to £7,000. Its circular black dial is decorated with 007 logos in a diagonal pattern and its steel clasp bracelet has a diver wetsuit extension.
Another limited edition timepiece is the Omega Seamaster James Bond Commanders watch. With water resistance down to depths of 300m/1000ft, its features include faceted blue skeleton hour/minute hands and a varnished red seconds hand. The decorative back plate bears the 007 and Omega logos and it is fitted with a red and grey five-stripe NATO strap. Complete with its original box, the watch is expected to reach between £3,500 and £4,500.
“These iconic watches are certainly very exciting and sure to pique the interest of James Bond fans and watch enthusiasts alike,” said David Elstob, director of the Ripon-based auction house. “Not only are they striking and stylish to look at but they are also excellent, high-quality timepieces in their own right and can be used with confidence in most action-packed situations on land and underwater.”
Staying with the adventure theme is a rare letter relating to the Apollo 15 Moon Mission. The Air Mail envelope is postmarked July 26 1971 and bears stamps from the USA including two First Man on the Moon 10c stamps, and is addressed to an Omega Agent in England. Inside is a card featuring a picture of an Omega Speedmaster watch and an astronaut, and the text on the back confirms the lift off time of Apollo 15 from Cape Kennedy. It bears the facsimile signature of Charles L Brandt on behalf of Omega Watches in Bienne Switzerland and has a price estimate of £250 to £350.
“This is a unique opportunity to acquire this fascinating historical document, said David Elstob. “The Omega brand is synonymous with space travel and has been the choice of astronauts and space agencies for more than half a century. Indeed, the Speedmaster secured its place in the chronograph hall of fame when it became the first watch worn on the Moon during the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969 and has been officially chosen by NASA for all manned space missions since 1965.”
Also listed in the sale are a large number of historical promotional sales signs and stands sent to stockists by various watch manufacturers including Omega, Breitling, Seiko and Cartier, together with various catalogues and manuals. These are of particular interest to collectors as they were not available to the public.
The Fine Art and Antiques Sale on 10 January will feature many fine-quality lots of ceramics and glass, metalwork, silver, Asian art, objects of vertu, rugs and carpets, clocks and instruments, and antique furniture.
