Limited-edition watches have always been popular amongst horological collectors. Often produced in low numbers, with sometimes only as few as twelve pieces being made, exclusivity is key in driving demand. Limited edition watches are often made to commemorate events and historic milestones, or as collaborations with notable partnerships, and they usually feature interesting dial colours, case engravings, special movements or bespoke packaging.
With several notable and interesting examples of limited-edition watches coming up in the Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on 14th November, we now look at some of the top lots, alongside remarkable pieces sold recently.
Porsche Design: A Good Titanium Limited Edition 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Chronograph Calendar Wristwatch - Estimate: £2,500-3,000 plus buyer’s premium
This Porsche Design watch was reserved for owners of the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, which was released in 2020 with a worldwide production of just 992 cars. Included in the watch are design characteristics of the 911 car; the chronograph sub dials have the same green tint as the car’s racing dashboard, while the outer track is red between the 11 and 12 o’clock, imitating a rev counter. Further interesting features include the movement automatic rotor, which is based on the legendary Fuchs rim, designed for the first Porsche 911. This watch is number 544 or a limited edition of 992 pieces.
Omega: A Good Limited Edition Snoopy "Eyes on the Stars" Chronograph Moon Wristwatch - Estimate: £7,000-9,000 plus buyer’s premium
Snoopy has long acted as the ‘watchdog’ for NASA’s safety programme, both representing total mission success at NASA and serving as a reminder to keep things light in stressful situations. Since 1968, the Silver Snoopy Award has been presented to people or companies who have contributed significantly to "the success of human space flight missions”. On October 5, 1970, Omega won the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, honouring the critical role the Speedmaster played during the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, when astronauts used the chronograph to precisely time the engine burn required for a safe return to Earth. To commemorate the event, in 2003 Omega launched a limited-edition Snoopy Award Moon Watch, a Professional Speedmaster (ref: 35785100) with the iconic Snoopy design, which had a run of 5441 pieces.
Omega: A Limited Edition America's Cup Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Centre Seconds Wristwatch – Estimate: £1,200-1,500 plus buyer’s premium
To commemorate the historic America’s Cup Regatta being held in New Zealand, Omega released the Seamaster America’s Cup Edition (ref: 25335000) in 2000. The professional chronometer was limited to 9999 pieces, and the present example is number 6283.
Omega: A Fine and Rare 18 Carat Gold Limited Edition Chronograph Wristwatch – Sold for £22,000 plus buyer’s premium
This very rare wristwatch was Omega's first ever 18 carat gold Speedmaster and was produced in 1969 to Commemorate the Apollo XI Moon landing. This reference (ref: 145.022-69), has the calibre 861 high-quality chronograph movement and the watch is numbered 690 of a limited-edition of 1014 pieces. The striking original features on this watch are the burgundy-coloured bezel and the case back, which is engraved in red writing "Omega Speedmaster- Apollo XI 1969, The First Watch Worn on the Moon". From the 1014 pieces made, numbers 1 and 2 were offered to President Nixon and Vice President Agnew. Legendary astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin received edition numbers between 3 to 32, whilst 33 to 1000 were offered to the public for sale and 1001 to 1014 went to the Apollo 14 and 17 crews and other personalities.
Omega: A Limited Edition 'James Bond 007 Spectre' Automatic Calendar Centre Seconds Wristwatch – Sold for £4,000 plus buyer’s premium
Since Golden Eye was released in 1995, the Omega watch has been the watch of choice for James Bond in the legendary film franchise. Omega made this limited edition in anticipation of the 24th Bond film Spectre in 2015. It is an Aqua Terra Seamaster (ref: 23110422103004) and is number 14107 of a limited-edition of 15007 pieces.
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