The Manual Wind: Omega Aqua Terra Goldfinger

By Ian Schwam Published September 24, 2014

Limited editions in the watch world are far from limited. Every time you blink a new limited edition watch has been released. Whether it be Hublot who has built itself on limited editions, or Roger Dubuis who limits the production of every design, the number of editions are certainly not limited. One brand that is also guilty of this is Omega. Known for is 007 James Bond franchise, Omega has been delivering Bond themed pieces since 1995, and why should this year be any different question mark?

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the great classic Bond films, Omega created the Aqua Terra Goldfinger. This unique one off limited edition, auctioned for charity, is as you guessed, all gold.

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Based on the Anti-Magnetic 15,000 Gauss, this 38.5mm Aqua Terra is from the case, bracelet, hands, dial, and even rotor, all yellow gold. The true detail lies in the dial and and second hand. Made to look like crinkled gold leaf, the dial has a raw appearance that makes this all gold watch slightly more rugged in the face. All gold hands covered in SuperLuminova as well as the 007 insignia as the counter balance for the second hand round out the Goldfinger piece appropriately. Inside this gold fortress lies the Omega in-house caliber 8501 Co-Axial automatic movement. A solid watch with a solid movement.

Created for the Christies charity auction for the 50th anniversary of Goldfinger, Omega spared no expense accompanying this piece with a very appropriate presentation box modeled after Fort Knox. Another highlight of the auction was a 1/3 scale model of the Aston Martin DB5 in 24kt gold plate. This truly was the auction for a man who loves only gold.

Check out the Omega which sold for a whopping $113,000 earlier this month as well as the other items auctioned off for NSPCC at Christies here.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

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Ulysse Nardin dazzles with blast sparkling rainbow high jewelry limited edition

Ulysse nardin's blast sparkling rainbow features mystery-set sapphires

Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Rainbow Liminited Edition

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Construction challenges multiply when combining high jewelry techniques with complex movement architecture. The skeletonized dial must accommodate both sapphire setting requirements and tourbillon visibility while maintaining structural integrity and shock resistance expected from luxury sports watches.
The integrated white rubber strap and deployant clasp receive matching sapphire applications, completing the rainbow aesthetic while ensuring practical wearability. Despite extensive gem setting, the watch maintains 50-meter water resistance, demonstrating successful integration of jewelry and timepiece functionality.
Limited production to eight pieces emphasizes exclusivity while highlighting the intensive handwork required for each example. The mystery setting technique demands exceptional gem-setting expertise, with each sapphire requiring individual cutting and placement to achieve the floating effect.
This release continues Ulysse Nardin's tradition of pushing horological boundaries through unconventional materials and techniques. The brand's silicon escapement innovations combine with high jewelry craftsmanship to create timepieces that challenge traditional luxury watch categories.
The CHF 451,700 pricing reflects both the extensive gemwork and limited availability, positioning the piece among the most exclusive offerings in Ulysse Nardin's contemporary catalog. Eight-piece production ensures immediate collector status while showcasing the manufacture's high jewelry capabilities.

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