There is a long history between Omega and Shanghai, the city where the Swiss watchmaker first entered the Chinese market at least 116 years ago in 1895.

That explains why Omega and Antiquorum, the world's leading watch auctioneer, have chosen Shanghai as one of the two stops in China to organize the Omegamania exhibition. It is a preview of the rare pieces to be auctioned on April 14 and 15 in Geneva. The next stop will be Hong Kong.

More than 300 vintage and contemporary watches are on display today, under heavy security, at Bund 18 on the fourth floor.

The exhibits include the milestone Omega products like the brand's prize-wining chronometers, military watches from both world wars and some of the world's earliest diving watches, together with the more recent Co-Axial escapement housed in a limited edition split-seconds chronograph.

Also on display are the James Bond collection, including the one worn by Daniel Craig in the latest film, "Casino Royale," and the one that Pierce Brosnan wore in "Tomorrow Never Dies."

Among the more unusual lots in the catalogue are the three "Olympic" Timers, all marked No. 8. Women will find the early work of the celebrated jeweler, Gilbert Albert, in a suite comprising a watch, ring and brooch designed in 1969.

Omegamania
Date: March 1-2, 11am-7pm
Venue: 4/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Rd E1
Tel: 021-63238099