George Clooney is one of America’s most iconic Hollywood stars. The Kentucky native has won two Academy Awards and branched out from acting to also producing. With his fame, Clooney is a spokesperson for brands including Fiat, Nespresso, and Omega. He famously wears an Omega Speedster chronograph which is prominently featured in the 2010 Italian film The American. Clooney also uses his fame to promote charitable causes including the Red Cross and relief for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Combining the two, Clooney sold the watch off his wrist to raise funds for a veterans charity.
Home For Our Troops is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They build and donate “specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.” Started in 2004, nearly 90% of HFOT’s spending has gone directly to veterans program services. HFOT has built over 360 specially adapted homes across the nation. They have an “A” rating from Charity Watch and 4 stars from Charity Navigator, their highest possible rating.
Earlier this month, HFOT held its 7th Annual Veterans Day Celebrity Auction to raise funds for its mission. Headlining the auction was Clooney’s personal Omega Seamaster Professional 300 M Chronometer Watch. Reference number 2254.50.00, the discontinued model features classic sword hands and a wave dial made famous by its blue counterpart worn by Pierce Brosnan during his time as James Bond. While a 2254.50.00 sells for between $2,000-3,000 depending on its condition, Clooney’s watch went for $12,200.
In addition to Clooney’s personal watch, over 100 other celebrity items and experiences were up for bid. A Fendi Peekaboo ISeeU leather bag autographed by Jennifer Aniston went for $9,100 as a lunch for two with Paul Rudd and Jake Tapper in Manhattan went for $13,200. All of the proceeds from the charity auction will benefit HFOT.