GEORGE CLOONEY

As a man known for his politics as much as his movies, our suave cover star George Clooney is a fitting match for Omega, pioneering makers of the first watch on the moon.

Omega features a long line of celebrity ambassadors, from Eddie Redmayne to Nicole Kidman, but it is George Clooney, cruising across Lake Como in a Riva, who best captures the manufacturer’s European elegance.

Clooney is the Italian Lakes’ most famous (albeit part-time) resident, the well-publicised face of Nespresso since 2006 and, at first glance, an actor in the mould of the movie stars of old.

He’s also a man who embraces modernity and the changing world (one need only look at his commitment to highlighting the plight of Darfur and his presence on Nespresso’s Sustainability Board to see that).

His watches of choice reflect this multi-faceted character.

As the first watch on the moon, the Omega Speedmaster echoes his adventurous spirit. His preferred model – the Speedmaster ’57 Omega Co-Axial Chronograph 41.5mm (pictured below right) – is a blend of sophistication and practicality with a bold black dial with a central chronograph seconds hand and a 60-minute chronograph recorder on the sub-dial at 3 o’clock.

The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Omega Master Co-Axial 41.5mm is a classic timepiece celebrating yachting in a recognisable design reminiscent of a teak deck. Seamaster has been the choice of James Bond since ‘GoldenEye’, French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau and now George Clooney.

The De Ville Trésor Omega Master Co-Axial 40mm (pictured above right) is Clooney’s choice for a classic paredback look distinguished by its vintagestyle dome ‘clous de Paris’ and a black leather strap with 18-carat white gold buckle. The mechanical movement, the anti-magnet calibre 8511, is one of Omega’s most advanced yet. Indeed it was this manually wound timepiece, adding an air of retro glamour, that Clooney reportedly wore for his wedding to Amal Alamuddin.

The De Ville Hour Vision Omega Co-Axial 41mm is a more recent interpretation, introduced in 2007, with a silver dial and a grooved rhodiumplated hour track for a modern, masculine finish. The striking Omega Co-Axial calibre 8500 can be admired through the transparent case back.

Omega’s timepieces are designed for men and women of action: NASA, the Olympics and the American Army are among those that have chosen the prestigious Swiss brand. Whatever comes next, you can be sure that neither Clooney nor Omega will be standing still. www.omegawatches.com