A remarkable single-owner watch collection featured in Abbeys’ September 2026 Fine Jewellery & Timepieces Auction, bringing together some of the most recognisable names and stories in modern watchmaking.
Led by seven Omega timepieces—including three limited-edition James Bond watches and a Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch—the collection spanned professional diving watches, precision chronographs and elegant gold dress watches from Rolex, IWC, Baume & Mercier, TAG Heuer, Montblanc, Porsche Design and Frédérique Constant.
“What made this collection so interesting was its breadth,” says Melanie Fahey, Abbeys’ jewellery expert and gemmologist. “It reflected a genuine appreciation of mechanical watchmaking, but also of the stories behind the watches—from James Bond and space exploration to motor racing and classic Swiss design.”
The watches of James Bond
Omega’s association with James Bond began in 1995 and has since produced some highly distinctive collectable editions. This collection includes three examples representing different chapters in the Bond story.
The first is an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 007 Limited Edition, Ref. 2907.50.91, created in connection with Daniel Craig’s first appearance as James Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale.
Limited to 5,007 pieces, the watch offered by Abbeys was numbered 4550/5007. Its substantial 45.5mm stainless-steel case, matt black dial and black rubber strap give it the bold, functional character of a professional diving watch. More discreet Bond details include the 007 gun logo incorporated into the seconds hand and Casino Royale branding on the case back. The edition was released in 2006 in a numbered series of 5,007 watches.
It was accompanied by its box, warranty card, chronometer certificate, certificate of authenticity, instruction booklet and cleaning cloth.
“This was an instantly appealing watch for both Omega enthusiasts and Bond collectors,” Melanie said. “The 007 detailing was relatively subtle on the dial, while its individually numbered case and accompanying certificates strengthen its collectable character.”
The collection also included an Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition, numbered 1990 of 7007. Developed in association with the 2015 Bond film Spectre, this model is distinguished by its dark dial, vintage-inspired styling and striped NATO-style strap.
Unlike many commemorative watches, the Seamaster 300 seen in Spectre was worn on screen by Daniel Craig as Bond, helping make the limited-edition version especially desirable to enthusiasts of the film series.
Completing the trio is an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Commander’s Watch, numbered an impressively low 0048 of 7007. Released in 2017, its white dial and red and blue details reference the colours of the British Royal Navy and Bond’s naval rank. The stainless-steel edition was limited to 7,007 examples.
“To see three different Bond-related Omega watches from one owner is unusual,” Melanie observes. “Together, they trace the evolution of the partnership while giving each collector a choice between very different designs.”
From the screen to the Moon
The collection’s other great Omega story is represented by an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, Ref. 311.33.42.30.01.001.
With its black dial, tachymeter bezel, chronograph display and 42mm stainless-steel case, the Speedmaster Professional is one of the world’s most recognisable watches. Its manually wound movement also preserves the hands-on ritual that remains integral to the traditional Moonwatch experience.
“The Speedmaster has a place in watchmaking history that extends far beyond its design,” Melanie says. “It is a watch people recognise for its connection with space exploration, but collectors also appreciate its legibility, mechanical movement and remarkably enduring appearance.”
The Omega selection continued with an Omega Seamaster Professional automatic chronograph, Ref. 2225.80.00, featuring the characteristic blue dial associated with the Seamaster line, as well as an Omega De Ville Prestige automatic chronometer, Ref. 424.13.40.20.02.001, offering a more restrained interpretation of the marque.
A vintage Omega mechanical watch in 9-carat rose gold, with a 32mm case, grey dial and subsidiary seconds display, provided yet another contrast. Its smaller proportions and warm rose-gold case reflect the understated elegance of an earlier period in wristwatch design.
“Looking across these seven Omegas, you can see just how diverse the brand is,” Melanie explains. “There are watches designed for diving, timing, formal wear and collecting, as well as pieces connected with two of the most compelling stories in popular culture and exploration.”
Classic Rolex design
Among the collection’s other highlights was a two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Ref. 116233, combining stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold with a champagne dial.
The watch was been checked by a watchmaker and was offered in its box with warranty card, instruction booklet, tag and spare bracelet links.
“The two-tone Datejust is unmistakably Rolex,” Melanie said. “The champagne dial and yellow-gold details give it warmth, while the design remains versatile enough to be worn every day. Having its box, warranty card and other accompanying material is also attractive to prospective buyers.”
Auction estimate: $9,000–$12,000
Gold watches from IWC and Baume & Mercier
For admirers of traditional gold dress watches, the collection included a Baume & Mercier Classima automatic, Ref. 65627, housed in a 39mm 18-carat yellow-gold case. Its skeleton case back allows the wearer to view the movement, while the black leather strap gives the watch a timeless formal appearance.
Also included is a vintage International Watch Company automatic watch with a 34mm 18-carat gold case and silver dial. Its replacement crown and non-original strap are noted, allowing bidders to assess the watch with a clear understanding of its condition and components.
“These gold watches demonstrated two different eras of dress-watch design,” says Melanie. “Their appeal is in their restraint, elegant proportions and the enduring combination of precious metal with fine mechanical watchmaking.”
A collection of chronographs
Chronographs form another important thread running through the collection.
A Montblanc automatic chronograph, Ref. 7034, featured a 41mm stainless-steel case and brown leather strap with double-folding buckle. It was offered in its original box with wrapping, tag and instruction booklet.
Auction estimate: $1,000–$1,400
A TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, Ref. CV2013-3, continued the sporting theme with its 41mm stainless-steel case, brown bezel and dial, and coordinating brown leather strap.
The collection also included a Porsche Design Dashboard automatic chronograph, Ref. P6612. Its lightweight 42mm titanium case, grey dial and black rubber strap create a distinctly modern, performance-driven appearance.
Rounding out the group is a limited-edition Frédérique Constant Rally Healey chronograph and stopwatch presentation, Ref. FC-392HSDG6B6. Numbered 1288 of 1888, it draws on the marque’s association with classic motoring and adds another limited-edition element to the collection.
“The chronographs revealled the owner’s enthusiasm for watches with a sporting or motoring connection,” Melanie said. “While they share a common function, their designs ranged from traditional and refined to highly contemporary.”
One collection, many stories
Taken together, these watches told a broader story about the many reasons people are drawn to mechanical timepieces. Some offered an association with film, space exploration or motor racing; others were admired for their craftsmanship, precious materials or enduring design.
“This was more than a group of prestigious names,” Melanie concludes. “It was a personal collection shaped by history, design and storytelling. We were extremely proud and fortunate to offer a collection for auction that was bound to capture anyone’s imagination.”
The single-owner watch collection was offered in Abbeys’ upcoming Fine Jewellery & Timepieces Auction on Saturday 26 September at 10.30am.
Check our current auctions for more watches, fine jewellery and more.
