On September 25th, dozens of watches, clocks, and other timepieces that were part of Jol Duval’s extensive collection will be put up for auction.
Do you have a solid understanding of the Omega brand? Naturally, you will immediately think of the MoonWatch, the Speedmasters of space conquest, the Olympic Games, and maybe even the star George Clooney. This is to be expected. However, taking into account the length of time the brand has been in business and the fact that its watches have evolved into many various forms throughout its history, such an explanation is overly basic.
It is all of these characteristics, as well as more than a century’s worth of watchmaking history, that we can rediscover thanks to the distribution of 126 Omega watches from the collections of Jol Duval, who was originally the creator of Forum à Montres. The years 1890 through 2012 are covered by the lots, which include everything from pocket timepieces to those worn by astronauts.” According to Alexandre Léger, the CEA specialist for this sale being conducted by Vermont & Associés, Omega has been around for 110 years. I didn’t want to make a sale based on the chronological order, so I divided it up by universe instead. In the catalog for this sale, I made an effort to include a photograph of an Omega collection from a certain point in time, with the emphasis being placed on a particular piece to describe why it is interesting. Each time, there is a condition report in addition to an aesthetic description, a technical description, and a historical explanation of the part. In my opinion, these are not watches that can be attributed to speculation or influence. Even with the additional costs of 25% and the revision cost of 300 euros, I want customers to have a good time purchasing them at this price.
Auctioning off more than a century’s worth of Omega memorabilia The Vermont and Associates Company
It is correct to say that the proposed estimations are the most prudent ones. Alexandre Léger adds, “What I wanted was for this sale to pay honor to Jol Duval, who shared his enthusiasm on Forum à Montres, which attracted many young people to this niche.” Jol Duval was a contributor to the watch blog Forum à Montres. This life is a collection in and of itself. Possessing a lovely watch that once belonged to him and doing it at a price that is not prohibitively expensive is another way of showing respect for him.
Auctioning off more than a century’s worth of Omega memorabilia The Vermont and Associates Company
Fans of James Bond may find themselves enticed by lot 25, which is a Dynamic “Pierce Brosnan Choice” Reference 175.0310. A steel chronograph sports watch from 1995 with an automated mechanism and a diameter of 38 millimeters. (1,000 / 1,600 Euros). This athletic chronograph, which took its name from an iconic model from the 1970s, combined an exceptional level of toughness with outstanding readability. This watch was featured in the brand’s “Choice” advertising campaign, which featured Pierce Brosnan in the role of James Bond four times between 1995 and 2002. Brosnan played the role of James Bond between the years 1995 and 2002.
Lot 26 is a timepiece that has stood the test of time; it is a Seamaster 300 with the inscription “James Bond GoldenEyes – HP Event.” This legendary diving watch is made of steel and has an automatic mechanism. Its dial is midnight blue. (1,300 / 1,800 Euros) This item, which is 40 millimeters in diameter and includes a distinctive HP Event laser etching (for Hewlett-Packard), was most likely manufactured at the request of the information technology corporation to thank an employee.
Auctioning off more than a century’s worth of Omega memorabilia The Vermont and Associates Company
Lot 122 is a De Ville – Dynamic “dark blue moiré slate” reference 166.0145, which could be appealing to people who like vintage-inspired fashion. A 39-millimetre steel city watch with an automated mechanism that costs between 400 and 700 euros. In addition to that, we shall take note of a remarkable “Belgian – Ultimo” Ranchero, which has the reference number 166.0218. A steel city watch from 1976 that has an automatic movement and is 35 millimeters in diameter and costs between 400 and 800 euros. The general agent Ultimo in Brussels approached the Swiss manufacturer in 1976 with a request to build a “first prize” as a promotional term for the Seamaster collection.
Auctioning off more than a century’s worth of Omega memorabilia The Vermont and Associates Company
Lot 101 is a magnificent steel Seamaster “Baby Ploprof” with the reference number 166.0251, which appears to have been built by Watch Co. (€1,500–2,000). The watch is in almost brand-new condition, and it does not have any scratches.
A watch from a different era and a design from a different era can be found in lot 82, which is a Memomatic with the reference number 166.071. This steel alarm watch has an automatic movement and a steel tonneau cushion casing. (800 / 1,200 Euros) This wristwatch with an alarm function was first introduced in 1970 and boasts not one but two innovations. To begin, the automated winding system activates the alarm function as well as winds the watch at the same time. But in addition to that, it is the very first alarm clock that can be programmed down to the minute.
It is impossible to have an Omega watch sale without including a Speedmaster model, such as this PréMoon Ed White with reference number ST 105.003 (lot 65) from 1966. This watch has a diameter of 42 millimeters and has the legendary caliber 321. Without the word “professional” in front of the name, it has earned the nick moniker “Ed White” as a tribute to the astronaut who wore it during his time in orbit. It was also this model that was put through NASA’s rigorous testing back in 1964.
Last but not least, a remarkable Omega pocket watch with a diameter of 50 millimeters can pique the interest of history enthusiasts (lot 56). It was created to honor a visit by the President of the United States to Switzerland (€300–600).
The President of the French Republic of the time, Armand Fallières (1841-1931), paid a visit to Switzerland on August 15 and 16, 1910. Fallières served as President from 1906 until 1913. This important step is commemorated on the dial of this timepiece.
Display: exhibition (20 rue Drouot – Paris 9th – on the street)
Friday, September 23, 2022: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 24, 2022: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2022: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The sale will take place on September 25, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at 20 rue Drouot in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. A transmission that was shown on Interenchères and Drouot Live.
