Many of us are accustomed to waitlists for desirable watches but few releases caused the queues around the block that were seen as people clamoured to get their hands on the MoonSwatch. When it was first released in March 2022 it was an interesting test case for the industry: could the essence of one of Omega’s most popular watches, the Speedmaster, really be distilled into a model created in partnership with a more affordable brand such as Swatch? The couple of years since have more than proven that the answer is a resounding “yes”. Now Omega is using the MoonSwatch’s success to give back, with a special auction at Sotheby’s in aid of the watchmaker’s long-term charity partner, Orbis International.  

Each suitcase is unique, containing a one-of-a-kind coin engraved with a three-letter aviation code that refers to the city in which it was displayed before it went to auction.

Over the past year, the original MoonSwatch has evolved, with the launch of the “Mission to Moonshine Gold” versions. Here, each watch is given a subtle luxe touch via a seconds hand coated in 18k Moonshine Gold. The material, created in-house by Omega, has a similar lustre to standard yellow gold, but with a distinctive paler hue and higher resistance to fading over time. These special MoonSwatches also include whimsical details on this hand that nod to its lunar heritage, taking inspiration from the names of the full moons throughout the year.  

From 12-24 February 2024, 11 MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcases will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s, with each containing all of the 11 Omega x Swatch Mission to Moonshine Gold timepieces. Further to this, each suitcase is unique, containing a one-of-a-kind coin engraved with a three-letter aviation code that refers to the city in which it was displayed before it went to auction.  

Importantly, 100 per cent of the auction proceeds will be donated to Orbis International, a non-profit that Omega has supported since 2011. Dedicated to fighting blindness, the organisation has provided much-needed care to millions around the globe, allowing its patients to see the moon and stars for the first time.  

12-24 February 2024; sothebys.com