OMEGA OLYMPIC EDITION
Omega celebrated its 86th year as the official timekeeper of the Games in 2018 and the brand has announced that it will hold this position at least until 2032 – meaning an entire century of Olympic timing. In honour of this occasion, the Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Collection has been launched
On this theme, but with a totally different stylistic approach is the new Seamaster Olympic Games Collection: sporty, colourful, and a slightly vintage look, especially for those that remember the Omega Dynamic?
Based on a classic Seamaster design – with lyre lugs and a flat bezel – the watches in the collection have a diameter of 39.5mm and feature several interesting and unprecedented features.
For instance, the crown is onion-shaped – something we’re not used to seeing from Omega.
Covering the dial is a highly domed Sapphire crystal, something that references the 1970s design spirit of this collection.
The case is beautifully shaped and features the signature polished bevel that runs from one lug to another.
The large diameter of the case back is a welcome addition allowing for an anodised coloured aluminium ring, inspired by the 5 Olympic rings, with every City and the dates of the Olympic Games where Omega was, and will be, the timekeeper – from Los Angeles 1932 up to Los Angeles 2028.
Moving to the dial, the Olympic theme is present but not in an overbearing way.
The only clear mention of the Olympics is a small flag positioned at 6 o’clock. The rest is much more subtle and actually rather cool.
Indeed, the collection comprises five watches to match the five colours of the Olympic rings – red, green, blue, black and yellow.
What we love is that these touches of colour remain discreet on the dial, with only the second hand, the circle framing the minute ring and the Seamaster logo picked out in colour. Of course, colour is more evident on the straps that match the dial – the colours give a fresh and sporty style to the collection.
The most surprising element of the dial? It feels familiar.
Omega decided to push the Olympic theme by using a signature design that was used on vintage mechanical sports stopwatches used before the arrival of quartz versions.
Based on a central black area, surrounded by a highly legible minute/second track, these dials offer a great contrast to the hands.
Indeed the inspiration were the stopwatches used in the Montreal and Innsbruck Olympic Games of 1976
On the wrist, the 39mm diameter, as well as the contrasted dial, make a watch that is so comfortable on the wrist
The perforated leather straps are wonderfully supple and complement the watch.
Inside the case is the calibre 8800, an in-house movement with all Omega’s modern technological advancements front and centre, their in-house Master Chronometer certified; co-axial escapement; and a beefy 55-hour power reserve.
The decoration is in the vein of Omega’s production with Arabesque Geneva stripes, blackened screws and bevelled bridges.
The integration of the coloured aluminium ring with the Olympic cities frames the huge movement that occupies the entire case.
Each of the five models in the Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Collection will be limited to 2,032 pieces, with a price of £4000.00.
Continuing the celebration of OMEGA’s role in the Olympic Games, a special Limited Edition set will be available with all five models created in the colours of the Olympic Rings.
This set of watches come in a special presentation box alongside a miniature last-lap bell, which has been crafted in the same Swiss foundry as the real Olympic bells
We think these are one of the best of the recent Olympic series from Omega, come and see if you agree!