09/03/2022
A limited edition watch with a stellar connection to Snoopy and NASA was the star attraction among many great results at our specialist Jewellery and Watches auction on March 23rd.
The Omega gentleman's Speedmaster Professional ‘Eyes on the Stars’ Snoopy Award wristwatch sold for £14,260 (including charges); a tenfold increase on the £1400 originally paid for it in March 2006.
The watch was created to commemorate the NASA Apollo 13 mission, in which the Omega Speedmaster played a pivotal role in saving the crew’s lives when astronaut Jack Swigert used it to time the fuel burn needed to land safely. The role of Snoopy as a ‘watchdog’ for NASA began in 1968, when the Silver Snoopy Award was created for those who showed ‘professionalism, dedication and outstanding support that greatly enhanced space flight safety and mission success’. Omega was awarded the Silver Snoopy award in 1970 following Apollo 13 and created this ‘Eyes on the Stars’ watch in 2003.
“We are delighted with the price achieved for this special watch,” comments Gildings’ jewellery and watches specialist, Denise Cowling. “The intriguing story behind it and the fact that these limited-edition watches are highly sought after led to intense bidding, with a local private buyer eventually emerging triumphant. The fact that it has sold at auction for over ten times the amount paid at retail just sixteen years ago, demonstrates both how covetable this particular watch is and the strength of the jewellery and watch market as a whole.”
A fantastic 85% of the lots offered were sold at the auction, making a total of £106,500 against an estimate of £85,000.
“The success of our new standalone jewellery and watches auctions shows that now is a great time to sell,” continues Denise Cowling. “As well as seeing strong demand for wristwatches, pocket watches are sought after. We are also seeing great interest in modern and antique jewellery across the board. From a buyer’s point of view, it’s important to remember that even when demand is high, auction prices will almost always offer a great-value alternative to retail, with all tastes and budgets catered for. Diamond rings sold in this auction ranged from a vintage diamond cluster crossover ring, which sold for £93 (including fees) to a 2.06 carat diamond solitaire ring which sold for £7,440 (including fees).”
Our next Jewellery and Watches auction will be on Tuesday 17th May, with prospective bidders welcomed back to bid live in the room as well as online and on the telephone.
Consignments of jewellery and watches for this auction are invited by 29th April and can be arranged by calling 01858 410414.
