Bonhams’ Centennial Collection highlights Omega stars, 50 years after the Apollo 11 moon landings
Omega, Rolex and Patek Philippe feature prominently as Asia’s largest collection of multi-brand watches goes on auction at Hong Kong 2.0 on June 12
A century of fine watchmaking is on public display from May 31 before Bonhams Hong Kong takes “The Centennial Collection: 100 Years of Timekeeping” to auction on June 12.
Collectors have the first opportunity to buy from Asia’s largest collection of multi-brand watches at Hong Kong 2.0. Over 1,000 pieces were assembled by a single collector, representing each decade from the 1920s to the present.
Two of the Omega highlights have heightened interest in view of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing: the 1969 Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch” in yellow gold, and the exquisite skeletonised platinum and diamond-set chronograph created to salute the 25th anniversary in 1994.
Patek Philippe lovers have some wonderful options, such as Ref: Grand Complications 5078P, a minute repeater in platinum complete with its presentation winding box and full certification, dating to 2009.
It has a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, while another wonderful Patek Philippe in 18ct white gold has a black enamel dial with Breguet numerals, also in white gold. This is Ref: 5539G, a repeating tourbillon watch from 2014.
The Rolex presence covers many decades, including rare vintage piece from the 1920s and ’30s. A circa 1950 stainless steel Perpetual Precision 8171 could be hotly contested as it is a Triple Calendar with moon phases.
