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Antiques and the Arts Online - Omegamania Sweeps The World
"Geneva, Switzerland
:Omegamania, organized by horological auctioneer Antiquorum on April 14–15, generated total sales of $5,540,000, selling all 300 lots for three times their presale estimates. Several world records, including the highest price ever paid at auction for a self-winding wristwatch, were set.

A platinum Constellation Grand Luxe self-winding wristwatch dating from 1953 went to a Swiss bidder for $351,000 after fierce competition from Italy and Japan.

An anonymous UK buyer acquired the Seamaster Planet Ocean worn by Daniel Craig during the filming of Casino Royale . The tension in the auction room mounted as the bidding became ever more intense among room, phone, and online participants. The watch finally sold for an astounding price of $213,000.

More glamour entered the saleroom as a bidder present at Baselworld acquired a ring watch, once owned by actress Ursula Andress and designed by Andrew Grima in 1972, for $221,822.

Many, many lots doubled, tripled or made ten times and more their presale estimates. Two original Speedmasters, the watch that became the first and only model ever to be worn on the moon, were sold for 30 times more than the current retail price.

Osvaldo Patrizzi, founder and chairman of Antiquorum, said, "Omegamania has confirmed the arrival of Omega in the top echelon of collectors' brands. Omega's most collectable timepieces now join Patek Philippe and Rolex."

Vincent Ferniot, a French journalist, said, "Omega collectors like me always felt a little discredited by other watch brand collectors. We knew that the prices of our vintage Omega watches were underestimated. From now on we might even be envied. I have been an Omega fan for years and after the weekend in Geneva, I shall now proudly consider myself as a real Omegamaniac.""

http://antiquesandthearts.com/Antiques/AuctionWatch/2007-06-05__09-35-40.html