Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Dec 11, 2014

LOT 22

OMEGA BLACK DIAL CONSTELLATION CALENDAR PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY ELVIS PRESLEY Omega, Constellation, Calendar, Chronomètre, Officially Certified, No. 16881537, Ref. KO 2943. Circa 1960. Fine and rare, self-winding, center seconds, water-resistant, stainless steel and pink gold-capped Chronometer wristwatch with black dial and a gold-plated Omega buckle. Accompanied by a letter of attestation from Charlie Hodge.

USD 10,000 - 20,000

HKD 80,000 - 155,000 / CHF 9,700 - 19,300

Sold: USD 37,500

Three-body, solid, polished, down turned lugs, decagonal crown, stainless steel back with applied pink gold-plated Constellation logo. Black with applied faceted baton indexes, outer minute/ seconds division, applied pink gold Omega logo at 12 and applied pink gold star at 6, date aperture. Luminous pink gold dauphine hands. Cal. 504, copper-colored, 24 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 32*

Slightly restored

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-50-01

Good

Refreshed

HANDS Original

Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 35 mm. THICKNESS 12 mm. ELVIS PRESLEY served in the United States Army between March 1958 and March 1960. At the time of his draft, he was one of the most well-known names in the world of entertainment. CHARLIE HODGE was a member of the Foggy Bottom Boys gospel group where long time friend ELVIS PRESLEY was also a member. While the two had met briefly backstage when they both played in Memphis, Tennessee, it was when they were drafted into the army that they became close friends. They were reacquainted at Fort Hood in Texas, traveled to Europe together as bunkmates, and spent significant time together while stationed in Germany, taking leave and traveling the continent together. Hodge worked for Elvis throughout the 1970s, providing back up vocals and guitar as well as supplying Elvis with water and his famous scarves during live shows. As detailed in the accompanying letter, Elvis gifted the Omega to Hodge after he repeatedly told Elvis that he admired the piece. Hodge additionally states that he 'lived at Graceland... for 16 years until Elvis' passing" in the letter, describing his close relationship with Elvis and his work with him through the years.