Earlier this month, Omega held at event in Shanghai to showcase the new Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. Staged in “Le Jardin Secret” (French for The Secret Garden), an innovative transparent roof had been set up to allow the night sky to illuminate the space and create a special atmosphere, which was made all the more glamorous by the presence of brand ambassador George Clooney. Yvonne Lim, a local Friend of Omega, also graced the event with her presence alongside her fiancé and former Taiwanese boyband member Alex Tien.

Clooney shared with the audience about his long association with Omega, which actually began with his father, and introduced them to Omega’s efforts in preventing blindness and treating blinding eye diseases in developing countries. To that end, Omega has partnered with Orbis International, an NGO founded in 1982 to provide medical and optical treatment for more than 23.3 million people in 92 countries. Orbis’ activities include various training schemes, research programmes and advocacy missions, as shown in a short film screened during the evening. Of particular note was its Flying Eye Hospital, which delivers high-quality eye care to remote and inaccessible regions around the world.

Later that evening, Clooney removed the watch he had been wearing – the Omega De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar – and autographed its strap and presentation box. The watch was placed on display at the event and will go on a mini-tour of six Omega boutiques in China, before going under the hammer, with all proceeds going towards Orbis.