The Seamaster Leads The Charge In 2021

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The Seamaster Leads The Charge In 2021 - Omega
4 minutes read
Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann presents the new launches of the brand, which emphasise design and technique

Omega has a strong wind in its sail despite the ongoing pandemic and global economic woes. The latest James Bond film will finally begin its world tour of cinema screens in the autumn, the America’s Cup took place in March, won by Emirates Team New Zealand — with the Omega Seamaster part of its crew, the Tokyo Olympics will take place this summer and will be followed next winter by the Beijing Olympics. Naturally, the Omega colours will fly at all these events.

As a prelude to the digital presentation of Omega's 2021 releases orchestrated by Raynald Aeschlimann, he announced that all Omega watches are on track to be certified Master Chonometers by the end of the year, "certainly the highest standard of watchmaking certification in the industry". Five collections were unveiled, delighting both female and male Omega fans equally: Constellation Petite Seconde, De Ville Trésor Réserve de Marche, a trio of Seamasters (Seamaster Aqua Terra, Seamaster Diver 300 Black Black and above all the Seamaster 300 in gold bronze), and a nod to the Speedmaster Moonwatch, now available with its official Omega Velcro straps.

 

Seamaster 300 in Bronze Gold

"This is the first time we have used this new alloy, which has a patent pending. It took two years of research and development to produce a bronze that meets Omega's quality standards, that does not oxidise prematurely or inconsistently, as has been the case with some other brands. Traditionally, the use of bronze is closely linked to the story of marine exploration, so it was logical to introduce it as a priority on our new Seamaster 300. That said, its use will be extended to other models in the future," explains Raynald Aeschlimann. Omega had already distinguished itself in precious alloys by designing Moonshine™18K gold and Sedna™18K gold, and achieves with gold bronze an intermediate hue, coming from the subtle addition of silver and palladium to the mixture of gold (37.5%) and copper. Protected by the sapphire crystal, the “sandwich” dial is made of a common bronze alloy burnished and patinated through a special treatment. The ceramic bezel dominates the whole, accentuating the personality of this elegant 41mm diameter model, which is obviously water-resistant to 300m. It is equipped with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8912, a self-winding manufacture movement that provides a 60-hour power reserve.

The Seamaster Leads The Charge In 2021

For fans of the original model, a new steel version is produced with the same calibre but in a more streamlined style, distinguished by an anodised aluminium bezel, the new “sandwich” dial with vintage numerals standing out clearly on the Super-LumiNova coated base, and a new domed sapphire crystal on the front. "We don't want to reproduce the past just to create vintage watches. We respect the heritage of the Seamaster while structuring the collection in a coherent way. We also owe it to our customers who follow every evolution of this model!" says the charismatic brand leader.

 

Seamaster Diver 300 Black Black

In a completely different style, the Seamaster Diver 300 Black Black embodies Omega's modernism with its black ceramic and laser-sculpted dial. As a welcome surprise, the double trap of chromatic monotony and poor readability has been avoided (all the more essential on a diving watch)! Indeed, the diving scale as well as the indexes, the skeletonised hands and the dot at 12 o'clock benefit from an anthracite Super-LumiNova coating, which remains dark grey during the day but gives them a different colour each in the dark. All the details of the black ceramic one-piece dial, such as the wave patterns, the minute track and the logo, have been shaped in relief by laser. Polished and satin-finished ceramic is omnipresent in the Seamaster Diver 300 Black Black and is used for the 43.5mm case as well as for the crown and the helium-release valve. However, a sapphire-crystal covered opening is found on the back of the watch to reveal the Côte de Genève arabesque decoration and the oscillating weight of the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8806, which has a 55-hour power reserve. Like all Omega watches, it comes with a five-year warranty.

The Seamaster Leads The Charge In 2021

"Even though 30 of our 160 boutiques around the world are still closed due to the pandemic, and I don't really like the term 'click and collect', our teams in the shops are great at making sure that the customer experience is excellent for those who order online and want to have their watch delivered to the boutique despite the situation," says Raynald Aeschlimann.

 

About the Olympics and the America's Cup

Raynald Aeschlimann, himself a keen sailor, is naturally delighted that these events are being held, thinking first of all of the athletes who have been preparing for four years (the America's Cup is also held every four years, normally not in the same year as the summer Olympics, which have been postponed due to the global pandemic). Omega has not only been a sponsor of the America's Cup for the past 25 years, but is also the sponsor of the title holder, Emirates Team New Zealand, which won in mid-March against the Italian challenger Luna Rossa.

The Seamaster Leads The Charge In 2021

"Their control, tactics and spectacle were incredible; I'm very happy for them that they were able to impose their vision of their highly innovative flying boats, which were contested at the start of the project. These people are very down to earth, they have chosen the right options and have made history. I only hope that they will choose a more accessible venue for the next edition.” As for the Tokyo Olympic Games, which will have to be held without a public on site, "our teams are of course already present to ensure perfect timing, but we are also working on the scenography and technologies so that viewers can enjoy the show and feel the emotion that sport conveys.” We expect nothing less from any event associated with Omega!

 

 

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