OPEN THE BOX
A special boxed version of its “holy trinity” is among Omega’s exciting novelties for 2017
YEAR AFTER YEAR at Baselworld, Omega never fails to catch the attention of watch enthusiasts or to trigger a frenzy of anticipation among serious collectors. Of course, 2017 is no different, as the great Swiss watch brand presented a wide range of new novelties designed to appeal to discerning patrons and seasoned connoisseurs alike.
One Watch for Fans of Blue
Blue was one of the most prominent colours of Baselworld 2017, and a particularly bright hue was visible at Omega’s booth in the form of the Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Blue.” Sporting a blue ceramic case, a blue ceramic dial, an orange GMT track and white gold hands and indexes with Super-Luminova coating, the “Big Blue” makes quite a bold statement. It’s also a powerful indicator of Omega’s growing mastery of ceramic watchmaking, especially since creating a watchcase in a bold color like this is no small feat.
As a proper dive watch, this new Planet Ocean can resist water pressure of up to 60 bar and comes equipped with a diving scale featuring Liquidmetal numerals. Inside the case is Omega’s Master Chronometer calibre 8906.
Two Watches for the Ladies
While Omega has long enjoyed an association with daring astronauts and a certain fictional spy that many hold up as the epitome of masculinity, the brand has an even longer history of producing exquisite ladies’ watches. And by the end of this year, there will be 30 new models introduced to the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ladies’ Collection.
All of these watches—which will come in three sizes: 38mm, 34mm and 28mm—will feature new symmetrical case designs which integrates more seamlessly with the bracelet, a re-proportioned screw-and-pin bracelet for a more feminine appearance along with a redesigned conical crown with waved edges for easier turning. The dials of these timepieces will retain the collection’s signature clean and crisp look and the luxurious edge afforded by diamond hour markers.
Two models have been introduced so far. The first is a 38mm variant in 18K Sedna gold (Omega’s unique take on the traditional red or rose gold) with a white mother-of pearl dial, radiant diamond indexes and a diamondpaved bezel. The second has a 34mm case in stainless steel, which contrasts nicely with its Tahiti mother-of-pearl dial inlaid with diamond indexes.
More importantly, however, these two timepieces are powered by the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8800 movement. So, not only are these two of the most accurate mechanical
ladies’ watches on the market, they would retain that accuracy even if you somehow managed to bring them into a working MRI machine. And while magnetic resistance of that scale might sound gimmicky, it might soon become an actual necessity considering how often we have to, say, walk through metal detectors or how electric cars will inevitably become more common.
Three Icons for Collectors
In 1957, Omega released three watches that would become iconic: the Seamaster, the Railmaster and the Speedmaster. This year, Omega is releasing special 60th Anniversary editions of each model. These can be acquired individually or, for the ultimate experience, as the exquisite Omega 1957 Trilogy Limited Editions.
Obviously, these three have all the bells and whistles of a 21st century timepiece, from better quality steel for the bracelets, Super-Luminova filling for the indexes on the Railmaster, the ultra-modern Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8806 movement for both the Seamaster and the Railmaster, redrawn fonts and so on.
Still, all three appear uncannily identical to their ’57 originals. Omega has employed a unique digital scanning technology to obtain the exact cross-sections and dimensions of the first Seamaster 300, Railmaster and the earliest “Broad Arrow” Speedmaster. These scans, along with technical drawings of the original models, were used as the templates for these three appropriately-vintage looking models.
Again, while these limited edition timepieces can be obtained individually, you can also purchase the entire “trilogy” in a properly luxurious presentation box. The Swiss oak outer box contains a leather watch roll with three spare leather and NATO straps and an assortment of tools, as well as a smaller box containing the three watches, each uniquely marked and engraved with the word “Trilogy.” Some 557 of these magnificent trilogies are available, and it’s safe to say that the scramble to obtain them will be fierce.
Still, if previous limited-edition releases from the company are any indication, the Omega 1957 Trilogy Limited Editions will be treasured by watch collectors for years to come.