OMEGA Supports Emirates Team New Zealand
Swiss watchmaker is backing the Kiwi crew's campaign to win the 35th America’s Cup
Omega’s partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand began in 1995 alongside the legendary round-the-world skipper and America’s Cup legend Sir Peter Blake. Since then, Omega’s support has only grown stronger. This year in Bermuda, the brand will once again serve the Kiwi crew as their sponsor and Official Timekeeper.
Raynald Aeschlimann, the President and CEO of Omega, is particularly enthusiastic about the team's chances this year and says, “There is much to admire about Emirates Team New Zealand and their qualities reflect many of Omega’s own. Firstly, there is a commitment to precision and a determination to push boundaries. They have a wonderful
history; and of course, the craftsmanship of their boats is the ultimate example of beauty and design. To see Omega’s name across their sails is a great source of pride for our brand.”
As part of its support for the New Zealand team, Omega has unveiled two new timepieces. The first is the crew worn Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition, both analogue and digital it includes an ingenious Regatta function to keep track of the critical five-minute countdown to the start of the race. A series of alarms, each with their own recognisable ringing sequence, gives the crew audible cues so they can concentrate fully on preparation. Once the race begins, the X-33 can then be used to measure progress. Cased in brushed grade 2 titanium, it has a black dial with blue rings and white transferred markings, as well as cut outs for digital readings. The outer back is fixed with 8 screws and stamped with an Emirates Team New Zealand logo in the centre, engraved with "CHALLENGER FOR THE 35TH AMERICA’S CUP", "X33 REGATTA", as well as the watch's limited edition number. It is powered by a quartz multifunctional chronograph movement, Omega calibre 5620 and limited to 2,017 pieces.
The second watch, the Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ "Deep Black" Master Chronometer, has been made with supporters in mind and embraces the blue and red of the New Zealand flag.
Cased in black ceramic, it features a ceramic bezel with an OMEGA Liquidmetal diving scale that highlights the pre-race 15 minute countdown; in blue and red rubber (the colours of the New Zealand flag) for the first 10 minutes, and START in Liquidmetal for the final 5. An Emirates Team New Zealand logo in red dominates the reverse side, which is ringed with the words CHALLENGER 35th AMERICA’S CUP. Completing the watch’s race-ready look is a black structured strap with black, blue rubber lining and red stitching with a new-brushed black ceramic buckle. ETNZ "Deep Black" is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8906.