Omega’s predecessor was established in La Chaux-de-Fonds by Louis Brandt in 1848 and he delivered his watches to numerous European countries. After his death his sons had trouble maintaining the standard of production thus the enterprise moved to Biel in 1880 where the conditions were suitable for them to build a company where they could oversee the entire production process.
Their first series-produced calibres, Labrador and Gurzelen, as well as the famous Omega calibre of 1894 ensured the brand’s marketing success.
During WW1 Britain’s Royal Flying Corps and the American Army chose Omega watches as their official timekeepers for the combat units. Thanks to NASA Omega was the first to land a watch on the Moon in 1969. Omega supports sports and is considered a pioneer in many fields. Since 1932 Omega provides the official timekeeping device for the Olympics. They introduced the first divers’ watch and the world’s only certified marine chronometer wristwatch.
Seamaster
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Master Co-Axial
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Master Co-Axial has a ladies model with an excitingly iridescent mother-of-pearl dial that is adorned with diamonds all around. The numerals are also indicated by diamonds except for 6 o’clock where through a small round opening we can see the date. A bi-colour bracelet is stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold or yellow gold or stainless steel. This is a slightly masculine piece in size and style with feminine motifs.
The men versions are available with a bi-colour combination of stainless steel and 18K red or yellow gold, or in stainless steel with a brown or blue leather strap.
Omega’s Classic Seamaster 300
In 1957, Omega introduced its Seamaster 300 – a watch designed specifically for divers and professionals who worked underwater. Many people associate this model with the James Bond movies, since 1995 the hero wears an Omega Seamaster during his adventures. The new version received a black ceramic dial and we can choose from several metals; it is available in stainless steel, 950 platinum (limited to 357 pieces), grade 5 titanium and 18K Sedna™ gold, and also bi-colour versions. In the interest of easy readability underwater, the hour and seconds hands are coated with SuperLumiNova, they emit blue light, but the minute hand emits a green light.
It is a general expectation for diving watches to have a precise and reliable movement. The two new Master Co-Axial Calibre 8400/8401 models also feature anti-magnetic technology, which ensures that the Seamaster 300 resists magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss (the unit of measurement of a magnetic field).
Speedmaster
Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition
It was the Apollo space research programme in the framework of which the first man, Neil Armstrong stepped on the surface of the Moon from the Moon ferry called the Eagle on 20 July 1969. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition (1969 pieces) celebrates this exceptional event.
The timepiece features a grey, completely brushed 42 mm grade-2 titanium case and black PVD dial, and sub-dials (30-minute and 12-hour recorders and small seconds). The hands are from 18K red gold. One of the specialities of the watch is the NATO-inspired fabric strap. The original NATO straps were created by the British Ministry of Defence in 1973. Omega’s goal was to further develop this strap to create a supremely resistant yet comfortable strap.
De Ville
De Ville Trésor OMEGA Master Co-Axial, Calibre 8511
Omega introduced the Tésor line in 1949; on the one hand operated by the 30mm hand-wound calibre legendary at the time (this movement was robust, reliable, accurate, and easy to service). On the other hand it is characterized by a thin, gold (white or yellow gold) classic case and a reserved, refined elegance. This year the watch is equipped with one of the most advanced Co-Axial movements the brand has ever unveiled. The dial is decorated with a vintage “Clous de Paris” structure, 18K gold indexes and square date window.
It has also two, limited edition versions (blue and white dials), numbered on the dial.
De Ville Prestige “Butterfly”
De Ville Prestige “Butterfly” has two sizes: 27.4 mm and 32.7 mm. This very feminine model has a white mother-of-pearl dial with delicately crafted butterflies. These motifs are created by using a decorating technique known as “ramolayage”, or “pounced ornament”. The ramolayage is a very refined sculpting using a scorper. The butterflies on the dial are inspired by Chinese popular culture, which associates these animals with love and longevity. The hour markers are polished and domed Roman numerals and diamond indexes. There is a more reserved version without diamonds on the bezel and with white satin-brushed leather strap.
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Apollo 11, 45th Anniversary Limited Edition
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Photo credits: Omega, Loupiosity.com.
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