‘World First’ OMEGA MoonSwatch Suitcases Hit Auction Block

Almost two years to the day since it thrust the watch world into chaos and (presumably) left any number of Swatch store assistants traumatised, the MoonSwatch craze is far from over. Fans are still clambering to collect pieces, new variations spark massive line-ups and the rumour mill continues to churn out prospective designs. The groundbreaking collaboration between traditional maison OMEGA and budget-conscious icon Swatch has undoubtedly revolutionised the industry, birthing 11 highly coveted timepieces in the process. Now, and for the first time ever, complete collector’s sets are up for grabs.

OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcase auction | Image: Sotheby’s

From February 12 to 24, auction house Sotheby will offer 11 unique OMEGA MoonSwatch suitcases, each containing a complete set of the Bioceramic timepieces. Importantly, the models included in each suitcase come from the elevated “Mission to Moonshine Gold” range, meaning they each feature a seconds hand coated in OMEGA’s famed 18K Moonshine Gold. A distinctive alloy created in-house by the iconic watchmaker, Moonshine Gold is said to offer a subtle and long-lasting yellow-gold finish; just the kind of luxurious addition OMEGA fans have come to appreciate, but that is just the beginning.

As we previously noted upon release, every Moonshine Gold hand comes complete with its own special detail. While many, such as July’s Strawberry Moon pattern and May’s Flower Moon pattern are symbolic in nature, others like the lollipop design, which is a reference to the Speedmaster CK2998 watch from 1961, have a more historical edge. Whatever your flavour, you can find them all within the new MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcase auction.

Gold seconds hand on the OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold | Image: Sotheby’s

Even the suitcases themselves are unique, with each containing a golden monocle with the OMEGA x Swatch logo, and a ‘one-of-a-kind’ coin, engraved with the three-letter aviation code from their displayed city. OMEGA has also confirmed that this same code will be engraved on the side of all watches within the suitcase for that particular city.

At present, bids for the 11 suitcases total more than 379,000CHF (roughly AUD$650,000), a significant jump from the initial estimate of 110,000CHF (AUD$190,000) collectively. According to the Biel-based watchmaker, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the auction will be given to OMEGA’s long-term partner, Orbis International, which works to fight avoidable blindness and vision loss around the world. For more information on the auction or to place a bid, visit the official listing on the Sotheby’s website.

View the OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Suitcase Auction at Sotheby’s

OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcase auction | Image: Sotheby’s

‘JFK’ engraving on the New York OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcase auction | Image: Sotheby’s

OMEGA x Swatch MoonSwatch Moonshine Gold suitcase auction | Image: Sotheby’s