15 RAREST AND MOST EXPENSIVE OMEGA WATCHES EVER SOLD IN TIMEKEEPING HISTORY

Table of contents:

Welcome, Timelords old and new. Gents, it’s time to take one small step for man…one giant leap for mankind.

Today, we are taking a little trip down memory lane, specifically from the Omega catalogue to find the most expensive Omega watches in history.

Look, everyone from Timbuktu to the Japanese hills where Grand Seiko weave their magic, know all about the influence of Omega. However, if you are still not in the know… Allow us to reveal some key details.

Founded in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland by Louis Brandt, he was just 23 when he initially opened up his workshop, specialising in pocket watches. However, he later branched out. And boy, are we glad that he did!

Releasing the world's first mass produced movement in 1894 to just 6 years later in 1900, winning the Grand Prize at the Universal Exposition in Paris, they have continued to become a sensational influence on horology.

With the launch of the Constellation in 1952 that was celebrated for its accuracy and quality, to the Seamaster in 1948, becoming their longest serving collection, we really cannot celebrate the brand enough. Now, they sit sweetly as the official timekeeper for the Olympics since 1932, running their operations out of Bienne in Switzerland.

Before we get into the meat of the rarest and most expensive Omega watches ever sold, we think it’s only fair to dedicate a segment to the extremely influential, Omega Speedmaster:

The Revolutionary Speedmaster

The Speedmaster was originally released in 1957 to suit the whims of racing enthusiasts. That explains the ultra legible dial, “Broad Arrow” hands and role as the first piece to feature a tachymetric scale on the bezel.

Time Waits For No Man

However, it really came into its own following its initial presence in space that George Jetson would be proud of flexing. Yes, you heard that right. This beauty was a pioneer not only of the race watch industry, but of the celestial world.

Their first motions into outer-space came in 1965 when NASA first qualified it as space worthy, with the ability to be used on piloted missions. However, it was already in space by that point, when astronaut Walter Schurra (unofficially) wore reference CK2998 during his Sigma 7 mission back in 1962.

The most significant point for the Omega collection and its expeditions was when it was sported by Buzz Aldrin following his famous moonwalk in 1969. Earning the title of “Moonwatch”, it has since been the go-to timepiece for all astronauts, including being the only one worn on all six lunar landings and one of very few models still qualified by NASA for flight.

Coming back down to earth for a minute, the Omega line is the darling of the celeb and horological world. If there were Oscars or Emmys for most iconic watches, the Speedy would walk away with the timekeeping spoils.

Worn by some of the greatest people in their respective fields, including the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley, royalty like Prince William and sensational actors like Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg, the Speedmaster has become a symbol of top horological attainment and luxury.

So, we hope that sheds a little light (somewhat) on exactly why the Omega Speedmaster is so revered, and why some models have sold for prices so extreme, they make Grammy winner Jay-Z’s spending habits seem pretty reasonable!

Without further ado, allow us to reveal the rarest and most expensive Omega watches to date. Let’s break it down in a handy table first!

Model	Date Bought	Price GBP (Price descending / Valued as of October 2024)
Ref. 2915-1	2021 (Phillips)	£2,776,640
Ref. H6582/D96043	2018 (Phillips)	£1,615,360
Tourbillon 30 I	2017 (Phillips)	£1,273,110
Ref. 145.012-67 SP	2021 (Phillips)	£504,120
Omega Chrono Chime	Unknown	£496,500
Ref. 145.022 “Alaska Project”	2022 (Phillips)	£471,830
Chronometre à Tourbillon	2021 (Antiquorum)	£456,830
Ref. 2915-1	2018 (Phillips)	£364,120
Ref. BA 345.0052.035	2022 (Antiquorum)	£278,540
Ref. 145.012-68SP	2022 (Phillips)	£251,680
Ref. 2915-1	2018 (Christie’s)	£249,350
Ref. CK2915-1	2022 (Phillips)	£231,370
Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition Titanium Automatic	2022 (Christie’s)	£226,800
Omega Seamaster Chronomètre Automatic Ref. OT 2520	2012 (Christie’s)	£216,680
Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145022-69 ST	2015 (Christie’s)	£187,980

15. Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145022-69 ST

Kicking things off in our pursuit of the most expensive Omega watches, we are straight into the world of the formidable Speedmaster.

However, we aren’t quite jumping straight onto the “first watch on the moon” bandwagon just yet.But the 145022-69 ST certainly does have a celestial spin to its name!

Source - Christie’s

Worn by none other than legendary astronaut Ron Evans on the Apollo 17 Command Module America, this expedition was in aid of what is known as a “Heat Flow” experiment. This essentially measures the rate of heat loss from the Moon’s surface, and was conducted during the Apollo, 15, 16 and 17 missions.

In case your buddies are saying that it isn’t a genuine piece that’s been out in space, Ron Evans took the liberty of engraving “FLOWN IN C.S.M. TO THE MOON” and “APOLLO 17” onto the caseback alongside his signature, “HEAT FLOW EXPR” and “6-19 DEC 1972” onto the case sides.

During his trip in outer space, he conducted a one-hour spacewalk, interestingly the last one ever done in deep space. Made in 1970, this vintage number comes in a 42mm case of solid steel.

Given a black bezel with a silver tachymetric scale, it is optimised for legibility, as shown through the pitch black face, triple sub-counters showing the constant seconds, 30-minute and 12 hour counters, with ultra visible baton hour markers and sword shaped hands.

For the movement, the technical-loving horophiles will have a field-day as this represents the first ever reference in space with the desirable Calibre 861. This represented an upgrade to the previous Calibre 321, with a brand new 21,600VpH as opposed to the original 18,000VpH.

- You cannot buy an Omega Speedmaster 145022-69 ST at retail as it’s long since been discontinued. For this watch, it sold at auction in 2015 for around £187,980.

14. Seamaster Chronomètre Automatic Ref. OT 2520

It may not be Halloween, but this next one is a bit of a shocker, as it’s not what you’d imagine a Seamaster to ever look like.

Perhaps that’s why it is one of the most expensive Omega watches sold at auction in 2012!

Source - Christie’s

As part of a small number of timepieces released between 1946 and 1956, they fitted these beauties with stunning cloisonné enamel dial. They were typically only released if specially requested. Consequently, this means the actual amount is exceptionally small when compared to the standard output of the Seamaster line.

Furthermore, since these models were specially requested, the future owner had the opportunity to choose relevant motifs for the enamel dial. In this instance, this one is fitted with a gorgeous Neptune dial. It may be from another world but it’s naturally a few steps above a Moonswatch

It’s estimated that there were only five models produced, which featured the Neptune aesthetic. These were not made in-house, rather, they turned to the specialist dial manufactures, Fabrique de Cadrans Stern Freres of Geneva, the same people who produced dials for Rolex and who were business partners with Patek Philippe.

The numbers diminished when accounting for the amount of Neptune dials built into a yellow gold case. Now, we are at just 3 references! It’s understood that novelties which utilise the cloisonné enamel dials, are exceptionally rare, especially since it’s such a precise form of design. Plus they can only be made under the skill of a dedicated craftsman.

Sized in a 34mm case of 18K yellow gold, it features Neptune holding a trident with two sea-horses sprinting in motion in front of him. Time is simply read via the diamond shaped hour markers and sword shaped hands. Affixed onto a light brown leather strap, this is a fabulous piece for the modern wearer looking to buy for an avant-garde, yet distinctly vintage dress watch.

- Powered by the Chronometre Cal 354 with its 40 hour power reserve and 17 jewels, this Seamaster Ref OT 2520 sold at Christie’s auction in 2012 for around £216,680.

13. Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition Titanium Automatic

When the Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition Titanium Automatic (what a mouthful!) was put up for auction in 2022, no one really expected it to become one of the most expensive Omega watches.

Heck, the £15,000 to £20,000 estimate was so far off the mark, that LeBron James would be crying in the changing rooms.

Source - Bond Lifestyle

Their relationship with James Bond is almost as impressive as the films themselves. However, we don’t need to wax lyrical about that here. Just check out this handy article below:

Chrono Hunter Chooses The Best 007 James Bond Watches Throughout Time

So, Bond and this top luxury Swiss watch brand have been in cahoots since 1995 following Pierce Brosnan’s role in the film, GoldenEye. We would like to flash forward a second to 2021 with the release of the film, No Time To Die.

By this time, Daniel Craig had long since taken the reins as the world’s most popular secret agent. For the film, as per all the other movies, they have released an execution specifically for James Bond to wear when shooting up baddies, saving lives, and giving men globally a figure to imitate.

However, for No Time To Die, they worked closely with the former Layer Cake actor and the filmmakers to create something that would best suit the special occasion action-man.

Therefore, the Seamaster Diver 300M was made from a 42mm case of titanium due to its lightness and strength that comes in immense use when used during the action scenes of the film.

Representing just 1 of the 5 working watches worn by Daniel Craig in the film, you can spot it on the wrist of the super spy when he is kicking back in Jamaica. Modified by Q to feature an electromagnetic pulse that cuts out electronics from a close range, it is certainly a big player in the final mission (no spoilers!). Since the timepiece went up for auction, in aid of the charity Time’s Up UK, it had garnered a lot of attention.

Given a dark brown dial made from anodised aluminium, alongside cream luminous numerals and broad arrow hands, the models are secured with Omega’s patented NAIAD lock case and topped with a rotating bezel, fitted with brown anodised aluminium insert with a 60-minute scale.

- It sold at Christie’s auction in 2022 for around £226,800.

12. Speedmaster “Broad Arrow” Ref. CK2915-1

Unveiled in 1958, the Broad Arrow reference CK2915-1 was only one year into the original model release back in 1957.

However, the classic design is still there, alongside a few firsts that saw this reference become ultra-desirable and easily one of the most expensive Omega watches around.

Source - Phillips

Manufactured between 1957 and 1959, the Ref. CK2915 totalled just three variants, ranging from 1, 2 and 3. Luckily for us, we are sinking our teeth into the very first one, namely the CK2915-1!

Representing the first chronograph to feature a tachymetric scale on the bezel as opposed to the dial, this reference boasted the extremely iconic Calibre 321. For those not yet caught up, the Calibre 321 was the original movement used in the first model, and future models used in space, including none other than Ed White’s model during his spacewalk in 1965.

This reference is known for a few design codes, including the large, Broad Arrow hands, a metal bezel with black insert showing the tachymetric scale, and a slight inconsistency with the “O” in Omega below 12 o’clock.

A keen eye will notice that this is slightly misshapen, as opposed to current models wherein it’s perfectly round. How us horophiles love our discrepancies! Showing all the signs of being part of the first generation of Omega Speedmasters, they epitomise the vintage styling of the classic models, and are in persistent demand.

- This Omega Speedmaster “Broad Arrow” Ref. CK2915-1 sold at Phillips auction in 2022 for around £231,370.

11. Speedmaster 2915-1

In case you aren't satisfied with enough trivia, we have another Ref. 2915 to get you lifted off into horological orbit and further into our guide to the most expensive Omega watches of all time.

Source - Christie’s

The legacy behind reference 2915-1 is something that is actually quite unknown among most aficionados. It was the work of Pierre Moinat, head of Omega’s creative department and reputed watch designer, Claude Baillod, that brought the lunar-line to fruition.

The design eventually produced the incredible Speedmaster, the world's first chronograph to boast a tachymetric scale on the bezel (as per its racing roots) and for the Ref. 2915-1, notable for its fabulous Broad Arrow hands and Base 1000 steel bezel.

This rare bezel type is made of steel and was originally fitted solely to the first generation of the line. Made only for around three years until the 1960s saw the base 500 bezel, the Base 1000 bezel is as rare as a Rolex Daytona Rainbow and in demand.

Heck, we’d expect such a rarity for the ultra-vintage Ref.2915-1!

While this piece has trained its black dial, the hands and the hour markers have aged, producing a fine, brown lustre that offers a stunning retro-feel. Finally, it has the double bevel caseback without a seahorse and with Speedmaster text on the case edge. The double bevel casebacks were only used from 1959 to 1967 before the dawn of the new, single bevel back, again pertaining to the immense rarity of the piece.

Inside pulsates the manual-wind Calibre 321. Fitted with 17 jewels and representing the first calibre used by the collection, it utilises capped pushers which enhances the water and dust resistance.

- This was sold at Christie’s auction in 2018 for an estimated £249,350.

10. Speedmaster Professional 145.012-68SP

Following the sensational achievement of the U.S beating the Russians by landing on the moon first on July 29th 1969, the Speedmaster has become something of a cult watch over the years due to it being worn by the first moon-walker. No, we ain't talking about Michael Jackson but Buzz Aldrin of course.

Source - Phillips

Before this, NASA had qualified the Omega Speedmaster as the only timepiece for all manned missions and Extravehicular Activity in 1965. Therefore, collaborative watches have long since been made. But how does one know that they are in possession of such a tremendous piece?

Well, you have to keep your eyes open (and peeled) for some NASA engravings on the caseback and the centre of the case. NASA and Omega first collaborated for the Gemini program back in 1965, wherein it received the official qualification of being NASA certified.

So, what do these NASA engravings look like? Well, they relate to a Part Number on the caseback, and a Serial Number spotted on the central case. For this particular Professional model, it was not actually worn when out on a mission, but it was used across missions like the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle.

For the nerds among us, this novelty was also sold with an Omega extract from one NASA Program Manager and aerospace engineer, James H. Ragan.

Totalling 42mm case diameter in steel, it was released in 1968 and features all the classic features of the original, including the Calibre 321 movement, triple chronograph display not to mention preserved hands and hour markers with that aged, tropical lume.

- Quickly becoming one of the most expensive Omega’s, it sold at a Phillips auction in 2022 for around £251,680.

9. Speedmaster Ref. BA 345.0052.035

Steel is the common association with the collection, so when we come across a golden version, it’s likely that a rampant bidding war will take place.

Well, that’s exactly what happened with this stunning Ref. BA 345.0052.035, as it rose to fame, becoming one of the most expensive Omega watches around.

Source - Antiquorum

Of course, yellow gold watches are always popular, but this one has a little extra history that allowed horophiles to feel justified in lying down hundreds of thousands of pounds to get their hands on it.

It formed part of 35 models that spent 365 days on the MIR space station from July 1993 to July 1994, in a variety of styles, including 10 steel models with leather bracelets, 18 steel models with steel bracelets, 5 gold models with leather bracelets and 2 gold models with gold bracelets.

Limited to only 5 timepieces, they were sent to the MIR Space Station to see the potential impacts of long-term zero gravity on a movement. Following an entire year in outer-space, it was found that they worked perfectly! It’s understood that these in particular are record breakers in terms of the amount of time spent in space.

The MIR Space Station was a Russian orbital station that constituted humanity's first ever consistently inhabited long-term research station in space. Eventually, the station fell out of orbit and landed in the South Pacific Ocean after spending 15 years in space.

This 42mm yellow gold case is therefore the magic combination of vintage, rarity and boasting a historical legacy that sets most hearts on fire. Powered by the 863 Calibre, the models are imposing and likely to continually hold their value.

- It sold at an Antiquorum auction in 2022 for around £278,540.

8. Speedmaster Ref. 2915-1

This extremely rare Ref.2915-1, is part of the highly scarce, -1 iterations. Simply, between the dates of 1957 and 1959 (the first reference dates), they came in three different iterations, from -1, -2, and -3.

Source - Phillips

In terms of differences of design, there is nothing immediately noticeable that distinguishes each iteration from the other. However, if you look closely, you will notice that there are some very small differences in terms of the presentation of the tachymetric scale on the bezel of the Ref. 2915-1.

For this model, it comes in exceptional condition.

With a 38mm case of well maintained steel, it retains its legendary calibre 321, and even the dial is faultless in its presentation, all of which are reasons why this has become one of the most expensive Omega watches around.

Given a dark chocolate shade as its patina over time, the Broad Arrow hands and hour markers benefit from a darkened tropical lume that allows retention of optimal legibility, while offering a vintage aesthetic.

From the classic Tachymeter Base 1000 steel bezel to the recessed chronograph sub-counters, everything about this piece screams original and classic edition, such as the original pushers and crown. This isn’t a common theme as many owners “upgraded” to the latest pushers and crown to preserve water resistance.

- This was sold at Phillips auction in 2018 for around £364,120.

7. Chronomètre à Tourbillon

We’re going on a little detour now as we progress away from Omega’s big collections, into something much more…unorthodox.

Source - Antiquorum

For this piece, the brand sought to flex their technical ability by incorporating a tourbillon. This is a sensational function that allows these models to negate the negative effects of gravity by regulating the escapement in a rotating cage.

Omega had ambitions to get their name out there for their astonishing accuracy. Look, in 2024 they have a strong repertoire of Master Chronometer certified models, thanks to the extremely rapid, Spirate System with 0/+2 seconds daily accuracy.

Back to the Chronometre à Tourbillon, this was made exclusively for Observatory precision contests. Designed by watch builder Jean-Pierre Matthey-Claudet and director of the Horological School, Marcel Vuilleumier, this Chronometre à Tourbillon was only released in 12 examples.

Sized in a 40mm yellow gold case, the models feature the 30.I.1947, a calibre made in 1947 and is put into a case made in 1987. Out with the old and in with the new hey? Now these timepieces stormed the Observatory trial, proving to have the best performance ever achieved in the Geneva Observatory contest at that point, with a score of 867.7 points.

Interestingly, this was the very same movement that was owned by Franck Muller, and he was the man who finished and assembled it! Furthermore, he approached Tille (a dial maker) and had a dial specially made, alongside a case ordered from Patek Philippe case maker, Jean-Pierre Hagmann. You learn something every day.

- This watch sold at an Antiquorum auction in 2021 for around £456,830.

6. Ref. 145.022 “Alaska Project”

Wrap up warm for our next contender.

The Alaska Project was the code name for a series of secret missions that Omega undertook to supply NASA with exceptional, lunar-qualified watches. Totalling four Alaska projects, the number of watches used were extremely limited and are now classified as ultra-desirable among in the know connoisseurs.

Source - Phillips

The projects saw Omega trying to perfect the ultimate timepiece for expeditions, while the “Alaska” term ensured that no one could cotton on to what exactly they were trying to do!

Relating to all NASA related projects until the late 1970s, they came under a plethora of unique designs, including a large outer case, consisting of a red aluminium ring to protect it from extreme temperature drops, and a snow-white dial that offers maximum legibility.

Even the casebacks were engraved with text like “Flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions” and “Alaska Project Limited Series”.

The timeline of the Alaska Project eventually stops after the Apollo 17 mission, as the rest of the missions were cancelled. Houston, it seems like we have a problem (well, sort of). Named Alaska I, it would take until the early 1970s for Omega to restart the development under the name, Alaska II.

A few prototypes were made, keeping the already successful design code of the Moonwatch, with a few added features from the previous Alaska I project. This is what produced the execution we are looking at right now! From the white dial offering extra legibility as opposed to the classic black of the normal model, to the larger chronograph dial hands, some models came with a red anodized aluminium outer case.

These Alaska II models found themselves on the way to Houston in the early 1970s. However, they were not used and have now become something of a silent grail of perhaps Omega’s most innovative play on the collection.

- This particular Alaska model sold at a Phillips auction in 2022 for around £471,830.

5. Speedmaster Chrono Chime

Time is ticking as we countdown our most expensive Omega watches in history. So who said a watch has to be vintage to be expensive and ultra rare?

Allow us to introduce the Chrono Chime that is still being displayed on Omega’s website as of October 2024!

Source - Omega

Boasting the brand’s Master Chronometer Calibre 1932, this is a world first and easily the brand's most complicated movement ever made. Combining a fully integrated chronograph and minute repeater, this hand-made, entirely new movement is capable of chiming elapsed times by its own accord.

Created in partnership with Blancpain, the 1932 Calibre took 6 years to create. Alongside boasting chronograph and minute repeater functions, the movement includes a chime cam, mal-manipulation security and a split seconds function. All built onto their famous Co-Axial escapement, this is an ultra complex rendition of what the brand can do.

Made out of 18K Sedna gold, the models produce various, stunning chimes via the double hammers affixed to the movement. Heck, the watch is more like a musical instrument since the resonance plate is made of spruce! Shame there won’t be any presents of this ilk under your Christmas tree this year as these are rarer than a dodo.

Sized in a 45.5mm case, they feature an otherworldly blue aventurine “Grand Feu” dial, alongside subdials with exclusive 18K Sedna gold acoustic wave patterns. There is a chime pusher at 8 o’clock featuring a polished and embossed music note, hinting to the glorious sounds emanating from the bundle of horological joy.

- You can buy an Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime at retail for £496,500. No need for an auction here! However, for this numbered edition, it may be worth contacting your boutique to see if they haven’t all sold out.

4. Speedmaster Ref. 145.012-67 SP

Away from the lunar heritage behind the line, the watches are the go-to timepiece for a range of well known social icons. But, perhaps none have sold for the value of the model owned by Ralph W. Ellison.

Source - Phillips

Born in Oklahoma City, he later studied at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Moving to New York City in 1936 to earn some money for his tuition, his writing career started in magazines like New Challenge and New Masses.

By far, his most famous work is the 1952 novel, Invisible Man. Winning the National Book Award in 1953, he later produced other widely acclaimed novels like Shadow and Act and Going To The Territory.

Associated with the Communist Party in the 1930s and believing that American and African-American cultures were inseparable, Ellison religiously kept to his art as a way of expressing his opinions on current society. This earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969! We ain't sure if Donald Trump would likely merit the same award.

Known for his dapper outfits, including a tailored suit, groomed moustache and cigar in mouth, he had another common accompaniment…his timepiece! Spotted wearing it in interviews and photos like in Riverside Park, the watch was with him permanently, even when the top chronograph pusher fell off. The watch was sold at a small auction in 2016 before eventually being passed onto Phillips in 2021.

Sized at 40mm of solid steel, the watches feature a pitch black dial with aged lume baton hour markers and sword shaped hands. Fitted with the Calibre 321, this 1968 model is highly desirable by its own accord, but especially valuable due to its associations with the late, great Ralph W. Ellison

- The watch was sold at a Phillips auction in 2021 for around £504,120.

3. Tourbillon 30 I

Omega have built up a reputation as creating some of the most complex and desirable watches in horological history. The Omega Tourbillon 30 I could easily be classified as yet another model.

Source - Phillips

This was one of the first ever tourbillon wrist watches ever made. Omega started researching tourbillon calibres and movement capability in 1946 in an effort to vastly improve the accuracy of their wristwatches. Seeking to make a big statement at observatory trials, they took to creating a few prototypes, with the version being finalised in 1947.

The calibre was produced with the 12-20 Calibre 30 I tourbillon in 1947. Used in the subsequent trials, the movements were quite large at 30mm and could only be powered by being hand-wound.

The trials were typically held in Geneva, Neuchatel and Kew-Teddington Observatories. These ran from between 1948 to 1952. Would you believe it, this Omega Tourbillon 30 I attained the highest score for a wristwatch in a Geneva trial!

These trials saw the watches being tested in 5 different positions and 3 highly fluctuating temperatures over the course of 40 to 44 days. The final score was based on the movement performance and was granted a certificate confirming the final result.

It’s estimated that the Tourbillon 30 I rotated every 7.5 minutes. It achieved its highest score in 1950 in Geneva. Sadly, they fell silent for many years, until 1987 wherein just 7 of the 12 movements were discovered and placed into gold and silver cases.

Produced in 1947, this Omega Tourbillon I represents one of the very first movements made for the trials. Coming in a stainless steel case, the face is in exceptionally good condition, using the baton and Arabic numerals, alongside leaf shaped hands and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock.

- Considered as one of the most expensive Omega watches, it sold at a Phillips auction in 2017 for around £1,273,110.

2. Tiffany & Co H6582/D96043 - Elvis Watch

This next one will certainly leave you feeling all shook up.

Elvis Presley is by far one of the most recognized musicians for his contributions to music and his stunning vocal range that had the ladies swooning and the gents turning green with envy

Source - Phillips

Following his huge commercial success, Elvis was granted a number of plaudits, including a plaque from RCA Records commemorating the 75 million records that he had sold worldwide. He received this in February 1961 during a charity luncheon and concert. However, that wasn’t the only thing he received from the record company.

They gifted the Blue Suede shoes man, a Tiffany-signed Omega wristwatch, alongside the Mayor of Memphis, granting the 25th February 1961, Elvis Presley Day, making him the Honorary Colonel of the city.

Tiffany and horology have a phenomenal legacy of yielding exceptional value. Heck, we’ve written an article on the fabulous Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711 Tiffany which comes with an outstanding eggshell blue face which sold for around £5 million in 2021.

For Elvis Presley’s model, it was specifically engraved with the text “To Elvis 75 Million Records RCA Victor 12-25-60” on the caseback. Hey, what else does the second all-time best selling musician artist deserve?

Photos have circulated with Presley wearing the watch during the concert and luncheon, confirming its legitimacy. Crafted out of 32.5mm of 18K white gold, the models are fitted with the manual wind calibre 510.

Across the bezel, there are 44 brilliant diamonds which offer a stunning frame against the snow white face. This allows the silvered baton hour markers and sword shaped hands to clearly stand out, alongside the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. Underneath the Omega logo below 12 o’clock is “Tiffany & Co” text, relating to the partnership between Tiffany and Omega.

- This model sold at a Phillips auction in 2018 for around £1,615,360. Yep, certainly one of the most expensive Omega watches.

1. Speedmaster Ref. 2915-1

So who has taken top spot on our roundup of the most expensive Omega watches?

The suspense is as unbearable as being on the Patek Philippe waitlist. We have seen a few 2915-1 references with pie-pan design. But none that are quite like this specific model…and not all for the right reasons, either!

Source - Phillips

Just like the other 2915-1, this iteration is the very first from the original lineup in 1957. While the models were first designed to suit race car drivers, and therefore spawning marketing campaigns with tag lines like “For Men Who Reckon Time In Seconds”, the collection has since become synonymous with the lunar world due to it being the first watch on the moon.

Therefore, the original models prior to the moon landing have become exceptionally valuable over time. Furthermore, this was the reference that first saw a tachymetric scale put on the bezel, the retention of the notable Calibre 321, and the iconic, three sub-counter chronograph display.

Fitted with classic Broad Arrow hands and a metal bezel, everything indicates that this is a stunning vintage model, especially since the face has that gorgeous tropical brown patina, alongside the lume filled hands and hour markers.

But, when this piece sold at auction in 2021 for a record-breaking price of around £2,776,640 to Omega themselves, something terrible was uncovered. We will note this as the great “Speedmaster Scam”.

It’s believed that three former employees from the brand “frankensteined” the model with various parts taken from other vintage Omega watches. Using mostly authentic parts, it had passed under the eyes of experts from London, Singapore and Hong Kong, and still it went on to sell at auction.

Apparently Omega are taking criminal action against the perpetrators after finding the serial number engravings on the movement were incorrect and the escapement wheel bridge was a fake. Quick tip timelords. Always authenticate your timepieces!

Conclusion

We’ve gone through some of the rarest and most expensive Omega watches to have ever graced the timekeeping sphere. Be it worn by the greats like Elvis Presley, or concocted in a lab like Frankenstein, what have we learned?

It appears that the trusted Speedmaster has a chokehold over this list. Ranging from the stunning, precious metal reference. BA 345.0052.035, to the vintage infused, classic reference 2915-1, we really are spoilt for choice.

However, it doesn’t just have to be a Speedmaster to prove to be valuable. We can turn to the Chronometre à Tourbillon from way back in the 1940s, as one of the first timepieces to utilise a tourbillon, or the sensational James Bond inspired Seamaster, overseen by Mr Bond himself.

Regardless of what you choose, the likelihood of you getting your hands on one of these models is exceptionally rare. Not only do they fall under the most expensive Omega watches category they are incredibly hard to find.

So, if you have a desire for a piece that is sort of like Elvis’ model, or want a reference from this brand that none of your colleagues may flex, do you know who you can visit to quench your horological thirst with 100% authenticity, best possible prices and speedy turnaround?

It’s time to say hello to Chrono Hunter…

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We understand the value of such a high value transaction and strive to go the extra mile. Covering all major brands like Rolex, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, IWC and more, whether pre-owned or new, we are the essential platform for all your timekeeping needs.

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If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

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