Omega

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 Chronograph Watch For London 2012 Olympics

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London England, official timekeeper Omega has announced their first limited production watch for the event. The watch is the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, and is the "Omgea Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph" watch. In a 44mm wide steel case, the watch contain an Omega Co-Axial automatic chronograph movement and has a textured metallic blue dial. There will also be a solid 18k rose gold version that will look really nice with the blue dial. On the rear of the watch will be some special engraving for the event.

Omega will need to put in some extra effort this time around as their "official timekeeper" clock to countdown the coming of the London Olympics officially broke down and needed to be quickly repaired. Even in the world of high-end timekeeping - things can go wrong. Look for this new Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph timepiece soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 Chronograph Watch For London 2012 Olympics

Tags: 2012, limited, london, olympics, omega, seamaster, watch

Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Co-Axial Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Co-Axial Watch

Omega's push to be on the top continues as the brand focuses on classier and classier pieces for both men and women. Omega watches for women in 2010 and 2011 are going to focus more and more on mechanical movements - and less on quartz. This timepieces is a 38.5mm wide woman-sized version of the popular Seamaster Aqua Terra watch in a diamond studded dress. Each of these "Aqua Terra Jewellery (why on bloody earth are there so many ways to spell "jewelry?) watches has 52 full-cut diamonds on the bezel, along with 12 more diamonds on the the hour markers. This decorated face goes well with the functional and timeless look of the case and bracelet design.

Omega will offer the Aqua Terra Jewellery in both 18 red gold (rare for women's watches) and steel variants - with metal or alligator bracelets. Inside the watch is an Omega calibre 8500 co-axial automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. As many might say, this is a watch strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: aqua terra, diamonds, jewellery, omega, watch

Omega Ladymatic Watch Collection

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Omega has just released news on this rather nice mechanical watch for women. Timepieces for ladies are usually beautiful, but mechanically simple inside relying on quartz movements much of the time. As more women are becoming interested in mechanical watches, brands are responding by offering interesting pieces for that segment. Omega's new Ladymatic, will come in a number of styles - here seen in 18k rose gold with diamond decoration.

I am quite impressed by not only the design, but also the components of this collection. The 34m wide watches come in steel, yellow or red gold, and with a unique bracelet or strap choices. The one piece lugs and nicely rounded case are made much more interesting by the sides of the case with their wave pattern style. Inside the dial and on the sides of the case are ceramic elements that Omega is cleverly using for the rich look of the dial and case design. Various level of diamond decoration and distinct Omega look really help this collection stand out.

Will the beauty of this piece help entire female watch owners to the appeal of mechanical watches? It is hard to say. The exposed movement caseback will give women a view of the Omega Calibre 8520 or 8521 automatic movement that has Omega's co-axial escapement, is COSC Chronometer certified, and has a silicon balance spring. The movement is quite appealing - even for men, and will be nice to look at through the back of the watch. An interesting collection, I look forward to seeing more from Omega in this range soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: automatic, ladymatic, mechanial, omega, watches

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Why this new retro themed watch from Omega has a "Seamaster Aqua Terra" moniker in the name I don't know. I mean the case is a bit like the Seamaster Aqua Terra, but the dial is something all together different, and it has a new movement. If you like large, 'old-timey' watches (that are luxurious) this might be just for you. The little touches are what make it nice. The case is 49.2mm wide and available in 18k white or rose gold. So right there already we are talking big money. Inside the watch is a new in-house made Omega Calibre 2211 movement. It is COSC Chronometer certified, but for some reason Omega has been hush on whether it is an automatic or manually wound. What gives Omega?

The lovely dial with its "railroad" style Arabic numerals is done in enamel (two layers) with a guilloche engraved sterling silver subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel hands are really cool. Copying an older Omega design to have the brand logo be included in the hands. See what I mean? An interesting, if hard to understand collector's piece from Omega. The Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds watch will be limited to 88 piece in both types of gold and be available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds

Tags: Aqua Terra, limited edition, Omega, Seasmaster, small seconds, XXL

Reopening Of Omega Watch Museum In Switzerland

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

May 3rd, 2010, in Biel, Switzerland the Omega watch museum officially reopened after extensive renovations. Originally opened in 1984, the museum showcases important pieces in the history of the timepiece brand. In addition to being the watch worn on the moon and the official time keeper of the Olympics games for many decades, Omega watches have also captured the hearts of many, and have been worn/owned by a number of celebrities. Each of this topics and more (including interesting concept watches) are on display at the museum. Getting into the museum is free, and you can have guided tours in English, French, or German. Sound good? Well the point is to get you excited about Omega watches - so the price in what you may end up spending in the watch store later. For more information visit the Omega Museum website here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: museum, Omega, switzerland, watch, watches

Supreme Court To Decide Fate Of Luxury Items Gray Market: Costco v. Omega

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This topic is near and dear to my heart because of the legal aspect and the watch aspect. I am not going to present to you a law school style outline of the legal history or implications of this case, but rather what it all means.

Back in 2004 Omega got pissed at Costco for selling Omega watches that it purchased not from Omega as an authorized dealer, but rather from gray market distributors. Costco has some good deals on high-end watches because it legally buys watches from people who have inventory acquired from unsold authorized retailer inventory or otherwise from retailers around the world. Costco is able to buy these slightly older model watches at lower prices. At the same time, they are not bound by Omega's pricing policies that govern authorized dealers.

Omega can't stop Costco from selling the watches because Costco legally bought them from sources that somewhere down the line, legitimately bought them from Omega. So after much bitching and moaning, Omega sued on a copyright claim.

The claim says Costco had no right to sell products with Omega intellectual property without Omega's permission. The first court sided with Costco, and Omega appealed. The second court sided with Omega, and the Costco appealed to the Supreme Court. At this point the Supreme Court doesn't need to hear the case. For the most part, the Supreme Court chooses the cases it wants to hear. Recently, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear the case in the Fall. The case is: Costco Wholesale Corp. v. Omega, S.A., 08-1423.

Aside from being interesting as the parties are companies most people know well, the outcome of the case has some serious implications. On the one hand, the case might strike a serious blow to the life of the gray market, which are lower cost goods that are resold into the market and ultimately sold at lower prices to consumers. On the other hand, the case might validate the gray market, forcing brands like Omega that are highly price sensitive to rethink their business model and reduce their reliance on third party authorized dealers.

The watch world will be looking very closely at the issue, especially as the decision is published in the next year.

Major watch brands are also preempting the gray market issue by making serious changes to the way they do business. This of course also applies to luxury brands that offer products other than just watches. Instead of selling as much product to authorized dealers as possible, the business model of the future for luxury brands may likely be to sell directly to consumers. This strategy would bypass traditional dealer networks altogether.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: case, costco, court, gray market, omega, suit, supreme court

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A new Baselworld and a new limited edition Omega Speedmaster Professional watch right? Like clockwork... This year the piece is known as the Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary Watch, and is meant to celebrate the 1975 launch of the Apollo-Soyuz spacecraft - an historical mission due to its collaboration between the US and the then USSR. This was also the final mission with a space shuttle bearing the "Apollo" name. It is known as the first international space flight. In remembrance of this event, the watch will be limited to just 1975 pieces with a specially engraved caseback. The watch will also feature a special dial made from meteorite - probably the best feature of the watch. Personally, I love meteorite watches, and it has always looked pretty darn good on the Speedmaster Professional. You can see that the meteorite has been given two colors, a lighter tone for the subsidiary dials. Otherwise, the watch pretty much remains the same. With the same steel case and manually wound mechanical chronograph movement.

With all this focus on preserving the heritage of the moon landing and space shuttle events, I think that the Swatch Group (parent company of Omega), should step in and try to save NASA, from a short-sighted US Government that is contemplating the closure of the extremely important US treasure. A couple of hearings on behalf of NASA would help at least. That would be an event worth watching CSPAN for.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary Watch

Tags: 1975, 35th anniversary, Apollo Soyuz, meteorite, Omega, Professional, Speedmaster

Omega Speedmaster Ladies 38mm: A Man's Watch By Any Other Name?

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Men's watches are in for women. In Europe and Asia for example it is exceedingly common to see a woman wearing a Panerai watch. They look good together as well. Though this is still a clear case of a woman wearing a man's watch. The opposite is not particularly common. Then you have the odd case of the man's watch in drag. Which is basically what you have here. The new for 2010 Omega Speedmaster Ladies 38mm watch more or less looks like a man's watch that has been shrunk by maybe a couple of millimeters and given a diamond bezel treatment. Is that all it takes these days to go from man-tool to she-jewel?

"Strong enough for a man, but made just for a woman" should be a borrowed slogan of this watch. Having said that, if the shoe fits and the style looks good on the ladies, who cares? I just find it amusing that Omega is playing dress up with masculine style watches and giving them a speckled treatment around the edges and calling them "miss." Maybe in a year or two the watch will come in all steel, have a black alligator strap, grow 2mm in size and no one would know it started life in a pink colored room.

As such, for this Speedmaster Ladies 38mm, you know the case size, which is in steel with pink gold pushers, dial accents and the bezel - which has 54 diamonds all around it. Inside the watch is an Omega caliber 3304 automatic movement with a 12 hour chronograph, time, and the date. Strap is gray alligator, and this is one watch that any man close to the female owner might mistake for his own. Debut of the watch will be in a few months at Basel 2010. Price TBA.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, 38mm, ladies, omega, speedmaster, watch

Omega Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In a time when ultra expensive watches aren't doing as well as well-designed moderately priced ones, it is funny to see Omega release a clearly expensive limited edition tourbillon watch in platinum. But with only 18 pieces their motive isn't likely profit here, but street cred. There is a growing tendency among mainstream level luxury watch brands to assert themselves technologically. Meaning, prove that they have what it takes to build very complex modern watches, with the hopes that this conceptual perception will seep its way into consumer's minds who wish to purchase everything from a Speedmaster to a Seamaster. Yes of course it is true that the movements in those watches came way before this the new Omega manually wound Calibre 2636 in this Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum watch, but we are talking "perception" not necessarily reality.

The whole techno point of this new Omega tourbillon watch is to have a centrally mounted tourbillon. As you can see it is placed in the middle of the watch dial. This hasn't been done before in just such a manner, but there are other watches that could claim to have centrally mounted tourbillons - such as the new Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon watch (square case though). What Omega can claim is that everything here is centrally mounted (sort of). Because there is no place for the hands to be mounted in the middle of the watch, they are actually printed on sapphire discs that move around the dial. This gives it a "mysterious" look meaning you can't easily see how the hands are attached to anything.

Each tourbillon carriage is hand made meaning it is a bit different from the last. A master watch maker dedicates 100s of hours to making each one. You can see the seconds hand placed over the 60 second tourbillon as it doubles as a seconds counter. In Omega fashion, this tourbillon is certified as a Chronometer (for accuracy) making it a bit unique among tourbillon watches. Aside from the tourbillon you have a nice open dial showing you the movement. The platinum case is De Ville style (from that current watch line) and is matched to an Alligator strap. The watch isn't the most attractive novelty I have seen lately, but is probably pretty impressive in person. Surely Omega will find 18 collectors who "gotta have it." Not sure about price, but it won't be affordable.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: central, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Omega, platinum, tourbillon, watch

Omega Constellation Baguette Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Funny how so recently I was discussing my perception that the new style Omega Constellation watches are the brand's flagship models for women, and now I get to discuss the Constellation line's flagship model. This uber-luxury timepiece not only proves my theory about Omega's high hopes for the Constellation watches, but is also probably one of the most (if not the most) luxurious jewelry pieces from Omega that has ever been made.

Omega muses that because each diamond in the watch is hand selected and cut for the piece, if a diamond would require replacement, the process would take as long as making an entire new watch as a stone would need to be selected to make a new watch. This is the Omega Constellation Baguette watch for ladies, and I am not sure if there is going to be more than one of them (only one has been made so far). The watch is in 18k white gold and has 459 very large Wesselton diamonds all over it - from the dial to the case, and all over the bracelet. The stones have what is called an "invisible mount," which makes their settings not visible. This makes them look all put together very neatly and closely. The watch contains all baguette and trapeze cut diamonds. There is also a small mother-of-pearl disc behind the star shape on the dial.

Inside the watch is an Omega Caliber 8421 automatic Co-Axial escapement mechanical movement. A lovely piece in a sick, ultra excess sort of way, the watch has over 30 carats of diamonds on it. Price? Well if you have to ask don't even bother taking out your wallet.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Baguette, Constellation, diamonds, Omega, watch

Omega Wants Constellation Watch To Be Flagship Lady's Model

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In the recent past I discussed the new Constellation models from Omega for women (here once again) . It has now become clear that Omega sees the Constellation line of their primary lady's model given the sheer variety and models available. Not to mention that its current female brand ambassadors (such as Cindy Crawford who has been working with Omega since 1995) are often seen wearing constellation watch models. The watches come in no less than five sizes! 38, 35, 31, 27, and 24mm wide. Colors are endless with versions in steel to gold, and in purple or champagne to black or white. It is very clear that a brand intends for a model to be a global flagship piece then they are offered in steel with quartz movements, to versions in gold with diamonds and a mechanical movement.

Movements in the higher end models are clearly Omega Co-Axial automatic calibers such as the 8500/8501, 8520/8521, down to the caliber 2500. Quartz models have Swiss caliber 1376 or 1523 movements. In each size, the Constellation retains the iconic look of the angular case with side mounted "claws." Really I think that "claws" are a terrible way to discuss the aesthetic features on the side of the case, but that is Omega's terminology.

One of the elements that is so connected to the classic Constellation watches is the seamless look of the bracelets. Using large links with no gaps, the watches have a very distinct look with the large and simple, though tapering and complex in construction bracelet. New for today and never part of the original line are colorful rubber straps that emulate the looks. Trying telling Omega that they would be pairing diamond covered gold watches with a rubber strap back in 1982 and they would likely laugh you out of the room. How times change.

I do agree that the new lady's Constellation watch models do make for an excellent lady's watch - really Omega has nothing else in the elegance department. Their ladies Planet Ocean watches for example, are simply shrunken down men's versions and too sporty looking for many women. With a high level of utility, beauty, and available luxury, the new Omega Constellation watches for women is an ample and flattering choice. Prices will likely start at a few thousand to upwards of $10,000 - $15,000 (or more) for top-end models.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Omega Constellation Lady Quartz 27mm watch

Tags: 2010, collection, Constellation, ladys, Omega, watch, women

Omega Timeless Olympic Speedmaster 5-Counter Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A sexy Speedmaster is here. This is the first retro styled watch I've ever really drooled over. I really love the combo of design elements here from the new style Speedmaster case, to the railroad style numerals and of course the Olympic game touches. It all started back in 2008 with Omega's limited edition Speedmaster Summer Olympics watch in gold with a new type of movement modification giving a five Olympics rings style chronograph and calendar. When I discussed it back then I loved it, and I still do. Then recently I saw that they were to released an De Ville model with the same movement. Finally someone at Omega realized the style was a hit.

Now I discover that at least two more Speedmaster and Seamaster based models are coming with the same movement. Not only that, but they are part of a new Timeless Olympic collection that features connections to Omega's link as the official time keeper of the Olympic games. Until now, these were all limited editions as far as I know. So let's recap. Cool movement is being used in more watches, and there are going to be at least four Timeless Olympics collection models with Olympic design cues. I am thrilled.

The best model in my opinion is this Omega Timeless Olympic Speedmaster 5-Counter watch. Simple, straight-forward name and a great, clean look (also little text on the dial). Omega takes the look from classic Omega timepieces and combines them with the modern look of the Speedmaster case. It is an interesting combo. You also get the vintage style red Omega logo. The arrow hour hand mixes well with the dagger minute hand and the older style Arabic numerals. The tachymetre bezel completes the Speedmaster character. The rear of the watch likely has some Olympics themed engraving. Size is probably about 42mm wide and the watch will be in steel.

Inside the watch is the Omega Caliber 3888 Co-Axial automatic movement - which is likely Chronometer certified. Functions more or less include a 12 hour chronograph and day-date calendar. A very cool and functional design the perfectly arouses our thoughts of Omega and the Olympics. Only thing they left out was the Olympic rings logo as the counterweight on the chronograph seconds hand - but having it in would have obstructed the dial too much. Price will be 5,380 euros, likely available early next year.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 5-counter, chronograph, olympics, Omega, speedmaster, timeless, watch

Omega Milestone 1941 Collector's Piece Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the 9th installment of Omega's Museum Collection watches that are modern re-issues of classic watches from Omega's past. This Milestone 1941 Collector's Piece is based on a watch released back in 1938. Omega is certainly taking vintage to a new era with this one. The original it is based on was know as the CK 2080. While this new version looks super retro, it is actually quite modern aside from the looks. Inside the watch is a modern Omega Caliber 3203 Co-Axial manually wound movement in a 38mm wide 18k white gold case. The movement also has a column wheel for the chronograph complication.

The retro techy instrument dial would have been all the rage of "atomic scientists" back in the early 40s no doubt. Omega claims the original was popular among high grade military personnel. The dial features a tachymeter, telemetre, and a 30 minute chronograph aside from the time. The watch dial itself is thrown in the middle. A busy dial, but cool and functional. Lume on the hands and dial is SuperLumiNova. The case and lugs are also old fashioned in style - though still handsome. Attached is a black alligator strap with a simple buckle in matching 18k white gold. A truly nice, niche watch in a limited edition of just 1,941 pieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 1941, collectors piece, CollectorsPiece, limited edition, LimitedEdition, miltestone, omega, watch

Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Omega is borrowing from themselves in the design of the new De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph watch. The horizontally arranged overlapping subdials were first introduced to me in their Speedmaster 2008 Summer Olympics limited edition watch. Looks like both watches have the exact same movement, but it has been displayed differently here. For example the centrally located day of the week indicator is now a disc viewable through a window, versus a small dial. Omega has also adopted the style to fit in to the "De Ville theme" rather than the Speedmaster look. Movement is of course an Omega Co-Axial automatic that has been COSC Chronometer certified.

Pictured watch is in steel, there may also be a gold model in the works. The style is conservative and attractive. While it may fall short of "modern classic" it is an approachable and visually interesting men's watch. The best part of course is the functionality and arrangement of the subdials. Functions include the time, chronograph, day, and date. There is an unusual window for "recorded days." I am not sure exactly what this is, but it looks like Omega upped the chronograph from measuring up to 12 hours, to measuring up to 7 days. For keeping tract of really long times! "Better check back on this Turkey next week."According to Omega this new De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph watch should be due by Valentine's Day. So I guess they expect mostly women to buy it for men, and not men to buy it for themselves.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Chronograph, Co-Axial, De Ville, DeVille, Omega, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay

Omega Preps For Winter Olympics By Opening New Vancouver Watch Store

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Being the official time keeper for the Olympics is hard work. Not only do you need to lobby the Olympic Games counsel, but you also need to create cool limited edition watches every two years. Then, you need to make sure that all your promotional work pays off. Thus, Omega has decided that Vancouver will be the city to open its 4th boutique store in North America - where only Omega watches are sold (including some of the limited edition Olympics models I hope).

The shop is open in the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. You'll find that dedicated watch brand stores often have much more informed staff and of course a larger inventory (especially or rare watches). All in time for watch lovers who either live or will be visiting Vancouver for the winter Olympics or otherwise.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Canada, Olympics, Omega, store, Vancouver, watch