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Watch of a great American writer at Phillips Auctions

History was written at Phillips Auctions in New York, when bidders across the globe competed for a Speedmaster worn by famed American novelist Ralph Ellison.

Watch of a great American writer
Best known for his 1952 award-winning novel, Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison’s iconic work drew on the social and intellectual issues faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. The book’s genre-defying impact garnered great acclaim, and won Ellison the National Book Award For Fiction in 1953 – the first African American writer to claim the prize.
“An individual who expressed himself with honesty, integrity, and creativity, Ellison embodied the pioneering spirit of OMEGA”
Ralph Ellison’s OMEGA
The Speedmaster watch worn by Ellison (ST145.012) was delivered to the USA in 1968, and shortly afterwards, the writer was interviewed and photographed in Riverside Park wearing it on his wrist. Ellison continued to wear the timepiece for more than 25 years until his death in 1994, often under the cuff of a neatly tailored suit – as was his impeccable style.
“The timepiece shows signs of an active life and its well-loved appearance adds to its truly authentic provenance”
At Phillips Auctions in New York, OMEGA claimed the Speedmaster once worn by legendary American novelist Ralph Ellison, placing a winning bid of 667,800$. The historic timepiece will now take pride of place at the OMEGA Museum in Biel, Switzerland.

Photo credit © Phillips Auctioneers, LLC

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