Ocean views
Omega pays homage to the Seamaster lineage with a collection of timepieces that salutes its exceptional water-resilience qualities
Swiss watchmaker Omega has unveiled a collection of watches with captivating dials that highlight the various hues of blue found in the ocean. Omega presents seven iconic Seamaster models and a total of eleven watches in Summer Blue that encapsulates the water-resistant attributes of each model that has the ability to conquer depths.
The Seamaster was conceived 16 years before making its appearance through the launch of the Omega “Marine” in 1932. This timepiece was tested at a depth of 73 metres below the surface of Lake Geneva, and it demonstrated its water resistance at a depth of 135 metres when pressure-tested within the Laboratory of Watchmaking Research in Neuchâtel. This marked the commencement of Omega’s venture into advancing underwater design.
These designs proved invaluable during WWII when Omega supplied over 110,000 watches to pilots, navigators, and soldiers of Great Britain, aiding the air force and navy pilots during their service. This impetus prompted Omega to make advancements in water resistance, anti-magnetism, and durability, leading to the creation of a series of watches capable of withstanding the most demanding conditions.
Every year since then, Omega has consistently delivered by offering new designs that incorporate technology pushing the boundaries of water resistance. Presently, Omega has the capability to test each of its water-resistant watches in an authentic underwater environment, owing to the brand’s cutting-edge facilities and the certification standards established by METAS (the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology).
Here are the timepieces launched to celebrate the Seamaster line, a tribute to the history of innovation, exploration, and ocean-tested performance.
Aqua Terra
Three new models feature symmetrical cases and crowns in stainless steel. The 38mm edition comes equipped with Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8800 with sailboat indexes and a polished and brushed bracelet. The 41mm (pictured) offers the choice of a matching bracelet or blue rubber strap. All watches have a new dial in sun-brushed Summer Blue, varnished with a gradient finish to reflect the water resistance of 150 metres of the Aqua Terra. To match the colour, Omega has filled the rhodium-plated hands and indexes with a light blue Super-LumiNova.
See also: Defying traditions
Diver 300M
For lovers of classic dive watches, this 42mm Seamaster Diver 300M in stainless steel, available on a matching bracelet or blue rubber strap, is for you. In keeping with the other watches in the series, it has a Summer Blue wave-pattern ceramic dial, varnished with a gradient finish to reflect its water resistance. A blue ceramic bezel with new Summer Blue enamel (Grand feu) diving scale encircles the dial, which has rhodium-plated skeleton hands and raised indexes, filled with a unique light blue Super-LumiNova.
Aqua Terra Worldtimer
View earth with this 43mm Aqua Terra Worldtimer in stainless steel, available on a matching bracelet or blue rubber strap. Bridging the outer and inner displays, hesalite glass reveals a 24-hour reading with light blue to indicate daytime and dark blue to indicate night. Laser-ablating texture and colour on a grade 5 titanium plate techniques are adopted to show earth with as many details as possible. In line with Aqua Terra technology, the Worldtimer is equipped to mark time even at 150 metres beneath the waves. The watch is powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8938.
See also: Testing QA Urban luxury
Seamaster 300
This 41mm Seamaster 300 has a symmetrical case and crown in polished and brushed stainless steel, with a matching bracelet. As the name indicates, it is water-resistant up to 300 metres. The varnished dial in Summer Blue, reflects this deeper level of water resistance. In keeping with the blue theme, Omega has filled the rhodium-plated hands, recessed hour markers, and open numerals with a unique light blue Super-LumiNova.
Planet Ocean 600M
This is the ultimate watch for serious divers as it is meant for ocean use and it performs flawlessly 600 metres beneath the surface. Powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8800, this 39.5mm model has a case and bracelet in stainless steel. A blue ceramic bezel with a light blue diving scale encircles the Summer Blue ceramic dial, which is PVD-treated and varnished with a gradient finish.
Ploprof
This iteration is crafted in O-Megasteel, featuring a sun-brushed Summer Blue dial that draws inspiration from Omega’s original model first introduced in 1971. The bezel ring is crafted from sapphire crystal, mirroring the chemically reinforced monolithic crystal employed in those early versions. This translucent crystal, adorned with a blue varnish on its back, unveils the light blue diving scale beneath. The iconic monobloc case encompasses the renowned screwed-in crown, along with the security pusher positioned at 2 o’clock, which is adorned with a blue ceramic ring. Powering the timepiece is Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8912 movement.
Ultra Deep
This 45.5mm model showcases a case and bracelet crafted from O-Megasteel, accompanied by a dial that pays tribute to the enigmatic ocean depths. Its pattern is an accurate representation of the Challenger Deep, meticulously mapped by the Five Deeps team using nearly one million sonar points. The lacquered finish, achieved by allowing layers of lacquer to cascade across the dial, gives it a remarkable sense of depth. To observe it clearly, put it under UV light to reveal the inscription “Omega was Here”, indicating the monumental world-record dive to a depth of 10,935 metres, delineating the Western, Central, and Eastern Pools. This timepiece is energised by the same calibre that propels the iconic Ploprof — Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8912 movement.
