3a61684cd6

Round-UpPresenting Omega’s 2021 Novelties That Showcase Their Horological Supremacy

One of the most sought-after brands among watch enthusiasts, Omega needs no introduction, especially when it comes to the maison’s iconic timekeepers and the significant milestones in the annals of watchmaking history. And this year, they continue to build on their mains pillars, with some remarkable additions to the Seamaster, De Ville and Constellation lines. Here’s a closer look at their new watches for 2021—now available in India

Aishwarya Sati September 24, 2021

Listen

May We Recommend

Spotlight Let It Glow, Let It Glow, Let It Glow: The Glowing Case Of The BR X5 Green Lum By Bell & Ross Review Lasered Kaleidoscope: Presenting The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser Review Set In Stone: Introducing The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Collection’s Stone Dials Review Retro, Winning Charm: Raymond Weil's Millesime—A Tribute To Understated Elegance Spotlight From Paris to New York, Louis Moinet Around The World In Eight Days Adventure Unfolds

In an industry that’s inundated with watch brands—both old and new—it’s a tough act for any company to establish good recall value, especially considering the dynamic nature of business that’s subject to various economic factors. However, if there’s one brand that has successfully managed to achieve this and a lot more, that would undoubtedly be Omega. From important celebrity partnerships to sponsoring momentous sporting events; the Swiss player has been a prominent face in the horological arena with its illustrious 170-year-old history. It all started in 1848, in a small workshop established by young watchmaker, Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. At that time, the company wasn’t known by its present name, but Brandt had garnered quite the reputation for producing highly precise watches that were sold to people around the world. When he passed away in 1879, his sons took over the reins to carry on their father’s work.

The big moment came in 1894 when the Brandt brothers released their new movement known as the 19-ligne calibre—produced in series, using revolutionary new methods, and it instantly set a new standard within watchmaking. It was not only extremely accurate, but every component could be replaced without modification by any watchmaker in the world. They perfected combination of winding and time-setting via the stem and crown was also groundbreaking and is still widely used today.

Omega-Novelties-2021 — Precision and ingenuity have always been the bedrocks of Omega’s timepieces. Featured here, is this year’s new Constellation Small Seconds watch with a 34mm stainless steel case, presented on a blue leather strap

The brothers named this new movement, ‘Omega’, which symbolised the ultimate achievement in watchmaking. This was met with such enormous success that in 1903, they decided to rename the company to Omega Watch Co. This milestone also came at a crucial time because, by then, the brand had become the largest manufacturer of assembled watches in Switzerland. Since then, Omega have set horological records, with their most famous Speedmaster or the Moonwatch becoming the first watch to be worn in space in 1962. Precision and ingenuity have always been the bedrocks of all their timepieces that can mainly be divided across four main collections: Constellation, Seamaster, Speedmaster and De Ville. Let’s take a closer look at the 2021 updates to these brand pillars.

Seamaster: Legacy Meets Modern Materials And Movements

Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Master Chronometer 41mm

The Seamaster is one of the most illustrious collections from Omega that is known for its reliability underwater. Between 1940 and 1945, Omega delivered more than 1,10,000 timepieces to the British Ministry of Defence (MOD), which were highly valued for their water resistance and reliability in combat. A demand for a peacetime application of this robust technology led to the creation of the Seamaster in 1948—now their highly sought-after line of dive timers. However, the initial models had more of a dress watch character, suited for both casual and formal attire. The Seamaster 300 was launched subsequently in 1957 as part of a trio of ‘Professional’ watches—comprising the Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Railmaster—and it was the brand’s first dedicated diver’s watch with a rotating bezel. This has remained a favourite with most horology enthusiasts, and has undergone several modifications over the last 60 years. This year, the brand have completely upgraded the models with an enhanced form that is ready for a new generation of adventurers. Not only are they thinner, thanks to a new sapphire crystal glass, but they also carry various aspects that pay tribute to the vintage models. Here, the 41mm stainless steel case is available with a blue or black dial, topped with an oxalic, anodised aluminium bezel with a diving scale filled with vintage Super-LumiNova. The recessed hour markers, Arabic numerals and even the hands are coated in this luminous substance—a tribute to the early Seamaster 300 models from the 1960s. Perhaps the most noticeable changes can be found on these new dials, where the brand have used a ‘sandwich’ concept—which includes a base layer with Super-LumiNova and a second plate over the top with cut-outs for the hour markers and numerals. Omega have also reintroduced the popular lollipop central seconds hand for the stainless steel models, where the round tip also contains Super-LumiNova. This complements the cleaner dial design with only the logo below 12 o’clock and the watch’s name embossed above six. Water-resistant to 300m, these watches are driven by Omega’s co-axial master chronometer calibre 8912, which offers a power reserve of at least 60 hours. It has been certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) for supreme precision, performance and magnetic resistance. The blue version is presented on a steel bracelet while the black dial comes paired with a brown leather strap.

Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold

Staying true to its pioneering spirit, Omega have also introduced a new 41mm Seamaster 300 model in their exclusive bronze-gold alloy. This was specifically manufactured to produce a pleasing aesthetic and hue, while also developing a material that would be safe on the skin as well as exhibit supreme corrosion resistance. Used for the entire case and buckle, this one-of-a-kind alloy is enriched with 37.5 percent gold, along with palladium and silver, to create a unique, soft pink hue, which lies somewhere exactly between the brand’s 18-karat Moonshine gold (a unique alloy in a paler hue than traditional yellow gold), and 18-karat Sedna gold (their proprietary rose gold alloy, which was introduced in 2012). Since this is also resistant to the bluish-green patina that forms over most copper alloys, it will age slowly and retain its natural patina over a longer period of time. This heritage model’s bezel is also crafted in bronze-gold along with brown ceramic inserts, featuring a diving scale in vintage Super-LumiNova. The dial is also brown and displays recessed hour markers and open numerals with Super-LumiNova, as well as bronze-gold PVD-treated hands. This timekeeper comes with a five-year warranty and is powered by Omega’s co-axial Master Chronometer calibre 8912, which keeps it functional for at least 60 hours. This can also be viewed through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Water-resistant to 300m, it is presented on a brown leather strap with a bronze-gold buckle.

Staying true to its pioneering spirit, Omega have also introduced a new 41mm Seamaster 300 heritage model in their exclusive bronze-gold alloy, presented on a brown leather strap
The bronze-gold alloy was specifically developed to produce a pleasing aesthetic, and to also have a material that would be safe on the skin as well as exhibit supreme corrosion resistance
This heritage model’s bezel is also crafted in bronze-gold along with brown ceramic inserts, featuring a diving scale in vintage Super-LumiNova
The dial is also brown and displays recessed hour markers and open numerals with Super-LumiNova, as well as bronze-gold PVD-treated hands
This timekeeper comes with a five-year warranty and is powered by Omega’s co-axial Master Chronometer calibre 8912, which keeps it functional for at least 60 hours

Omega Seamaster

Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black

First launched in 1993, the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M has enjoyed a cult following ever since. Like all other lines, this, too, features a suitable, upgraded model for 2021, where the brand have introduced new materials and a movement for this novelty. The Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black comes in a 43.5mm, black ceramic case topped by a unidirectional rotating bezel, also in the same material. This features a smooth finish with a diving scale in relief. Even the crown and the helium escape valve are developed in black ceramic, so that the timepiece maintains uniformity throughout. The case frames a dial that’s also crafted in black ceramic with a wave-like motif. Although the new Black Black model comes in the darkest hue, this does not hamper the visibility, even in low-light areas, thanks to the anthracite Super-LumiNova that’s been added to the diving scale, the black PVD indexes and skeleton hands. Although these markers glow in the dark, the anthracite turns them dark-grey in daylight. This dive timer is powered by Omega’s co-axial Maser Chronometer calibre 8806, visible through the caseback. Certified by METAS, it is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, and is equipped with a free sprung balance that features a silicon balance spring, and has automatic winding in both directions. The brand have also used special finishing on the rhodium-plated rotor, while the bridges are decorated with Geneva waves. Water-resistant to 300m, the watch is presented on a black rubber strap with a buckle in the same material as the case.

Omega Seamaster

Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 34mm

These watches from the Seamaster collection are for women who enjoy the razzmatazz offered by jewelled timekeepers but are not just pretty faces. They are powered by mechanical movements and are apt for women who like feminine pieces driven by robust technology. The 2021 highlights come in 34mm stainless steel and Sedna gold cases, with symmetrical polished-brushed facets, topped by polished bezels set with diamonds. The dials feature a fabulous, new, embossed pattern of waves, set with either 11 diamonds or 11 rubies as hour markers. The hour, minute and the seconds hands are also crafted in polished red gold, with a round date window positioned at six o’clock. Here the models featured have dials in either pale pink or a nude shade, paired with matching leather straps, or mounted on bracelets in steel and red gold, which include re-proportioned and domed links that give a more feminine appearance. These watches are equipped with Omega’s co-axial master chronometer calibre 8800, and come with a five-year warranty. This is visible through the screwed-in caseback with flat sapphire crystal that offers a peek into the inner workings of this mechanism with automatic winding in both directions, and Geneva waves decoration. These ornate timekeepers can function for up to 55 hours and are water-resistant to 150m.

The new Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 34mm jewelled watches are apt for women who like feminine pieces driven by robust technology
The 2021 highlights come in 34mm stainless steel and Sedna gold cases, with symmetrical polished-brushed facets, topped by polished bezels set with diamonds
Here the models featured have dials in either pale pink or a nude shade, paired with matching leather straps, or mounted on bracelets in stainless steel and red gold
These ornate timekeepers can function for up to 55 hours, are water-resistant to 150m, and come with a five-year warranty
The dials feature a fabulous, new, embossed pattern of waves, set with either 11 diamonds or 11 rubies as hour markers, with a date window at six o'clock
These watches are equipped with Omega’s co-axial master chronometer calibre 8800, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback that offers a peek into the inner workings of this mechanism
The new jewelled Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m watches feature steel-and red-gold bracelets, which include re-proportioned and domed links that give a more feminine appearance

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terrra 150M Explore the Collection

De Ville Trésor: The Dress Watch Updates For Ladies And Gentlemen

First launched in 1949, the Trésor watches form an integral part of Omega’s De Ville collection, and stand out for their classic, dress watch aesthetics. Even back then, they became a huge success owing to their slim profiles crafted in gold, and alluded to the ‘treasure’ found inside the watch—the legendary 30mm calibre. Building on that legacy, the newest collection includes 40mm watches created in either 18-karat yellow gold or 18-karat Sedna gold. Featured here are two models. The first one comes in a yellow gold case, featuring a silvery dial with polished hands and applied domed indexes. It is presented on a grey leather strap.

The Sedna gold version is attached to a burgundy leather strap, and showcases a domed, lacquered dial in burgundy, with polished hands and applied domed indexes. However, the highlight of these watches is the introduction of new sub-dials, which include a small seconds display at six o’clock. The yellow gold model also features a power reserve display at 12. The timepieces are driven by Omega’s manually-wound movements (calibre 8935 for the yellow gold and calibre 8927 for the Sedna gold), beating at a frequency of 25,200vph, and can store a generous energy reserve of about 72 hours. Like all their Master Chronometers, these are also METAS-certified and exhibit the highest standards of precision, performance and anti-magnetism.

Constellation: Jewelled And Resplendent With Small Seconds

Introduced for the first time in 1952, the Constellation collection has become an important pillar for Omega with its beautiful timepieces driven by supreme precision. They also stand out for the distinct four ‘claws’ of the design and the barrel-shaped case with its half-moon facets. And this year, they’ve added a new range of Small Seconds models to the collection, enhanced with extra diamonds and several unique details. The 34mm timepieces are offered in a choice of 18-karat Sedna gold, stainless steel, or a combination of both. On top of each case, the bezels are studded with 38 full-cut diamonds, or feature engraved Roman numerals. All the components are brushed and complemented by polished bevelling along the case and bracelet, including the crown. Even the ‘claws’ here are given the same treatment and are integrated smoothly around the case sides.

Introduced for the first time in 1952, the Constellation collection has become an important pillar for Omega with its beautiful timepieces driven by supreme precision
The watches also stand out for the distinct four ‘claws’ of the design and the barrel-shaped case with its half-moon facets
This year, they’ve added a new range of 34mm Small Seconds models, enhanced with diamonds. They come in options of 18-karat Sedna gold, stainless steel, or a combination of both
On top of each case, the bezels are studded with 38 full-cut diamonds, or feature engraved Roman numerals
All the components are brushed and complemented by polished bevelling along the case and bracelet, including the crown. Even the ‘claws’ are integrated smoothly around the case sides
The new dials are enhanced by a symmetrical design of concentric circles where the round date window sits at six o’clock

Omega Constellation Shop the Collection

Besides the case material, there are also dial options in hues of burgundy, peacock blue or light chestnut brown—all with sun-brushed finishing. Other options feature dials in a crystal-white, slivery hue, and in mother of pearl. These are enhanced by a symmetrical design of concentric circles where the round date window sits at six o’clock. While some models have diamonds for the hour markers, placed in 18-karat gold holders, the others have regular, sleek indexes. The brand has even added small seconds counters that slightly overlap with the date display, and these have been lined with diamonds for the mother-of-pearl and burgundy versions. The same goes for the central minute tracks, which are studded with diamonds for only the burgundy-coloured dials. Even the prominent leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, the small seconds hand, and the brand emblem and star motif are crafted in either red or white gold. At the heart of these resplendent timekeepers lies the co-axial Master Chronometer calibre 8802 or 8803, offering the Swiss industry’s highest certified standard of precision, performance and magnetic resistance. Each of these automatic movements supplies a power reserve of at least 55 hours, beating at a frequency of 25,200vph. Water-resistant to 50m, some of these watches are presented on leather straps in hues that complement their dials, while others come with matching steel or red gold bracelets, featuring brushed links with polished central bars, along with butterfly clasps.

Speedmaster: New NASA Straps For The Master Chronometer Moonwatch

To celebrate the spirit of exploration and their shared history with American space agency, NASA, the brand have launched a new range of Velcro straps with astronaut-friendly fixtures, and both their respective emblems. On one side you can see the words ‘Speedmaster Moonwatch’ and on the other rests NASA’s famous planet-shaped insignia in red, white and blue, popularly known as the ‘meatball’, first unveiled in 1959. There are three 20mm straps available in black, white and silver with polished stainless steel, oval ring loops, and couldn’t be more suited to a watch that’s created space history. Launched earlier this year, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer is a superb continuation of the Moonwatch legacy, running into its 53rd year. Not only is it upgraded with the best of modern precision and accuracy, but it also features a robust stainless steel body with a hesalite crystal glass that takes on the spirit and style of the true Speedmaster chronographs worn during NASA’s most legendary missions—including the first lunar landing by Apollo 11 in 1969. Even the design remains mostly unchanged and draws inspiration from the original chronograph with an asymmetrical case, twisted lugs, and the short and broad pushers. The counters are positioned at three, six and nine o’clock, and even the famous ‘dot over 90’ and the dot next to 70 on the tachymeter scale of the anodised aluminium bezel remain the same. The solid steel caseback includes an embossed seahorse medallion with inscriptions. The new Velcro straps complement this design perfectly since an astronaut would never opt to wear a metal bracelet during an extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk. Space suits add weight and a strap in this material is the only fixture that’s versatile enough to be adjusted accordingly. The black strap is representative of the Moonwatch’s original dial, the white is a nod to the Apollo-era spacesuits, while silver pays homage to the shiny suits worn on the pre-Apollo missions: Gemini and Mercury.