omega

Porsche Family's Personal Watch Collection to be Auctioned

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

49 watches from the private collection of Prof. F. A. Porsche of the famed sports car marque and his sons will be auctioned by Bonhams on Dec. 2 in London during its Fine Watches and Timepieces sale. Included are timepieces by Eterna, Porsche Design, Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breitling, Chronoswiss, Omega and more. Of particular note are prototypes and unique examples of Eterna and Porsche Design watches custom made for the Porsche family. The latter includes a fine 18 carat gold chronograph (above) made especially by Eterna (now owned by Porsche) and presented to Dr. Ferdinand Oliver Porsche for his 40th birthday, estimated at £4,000 - £6,000. Also included in the collection is a very rare Rolex Explorer with ivory dial (£,5000 -£7,000), a selection of Panerai watches including a Luminor Flyback (£3,000 - £5,000), and an original Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris from 1960 (£5,000 - £7,000).

[via JamesList]

Tags: Bonhams, Breitling, Jaeger LeCoultre, JaegerLecoultre, London, Omega, Panerai, Porsche, Porsche Design, PorscheDesign, Rolex, Rolex Explorer, RolexExplorer

Omega Constellation Ladies' Watches For The Holiday Season

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Omega is really serious about promoting their new Constellation watches for women. I mean the watch line isn't anything new, but they just revamped the style of the watches, so they have been thoroughly updated. They even hired Cindy Crawford for one of the watch release parties. I must admit the line has always looked good on a woman's wrist, and here are two new interesting colors for the watch - purple and white on matching reptile skin straps.

The Constellation cases are elegant and simple, with the iconic "claws" on the sides. These versions have diamond decoration including diamonds on the bezel, as well as for each of the hour markers. The dials are deeply textured in an angled sunburst pattern done in purple with white. The large crown adds to Omega's preferred utilitarian look, and the straps have fold over clasps. The cases are likely in steel, and I am guessing the movements in these jewelry-like ladies' watches are Swiss quartz. Overall in pretty good taste making for suitable gifts. No specific price announced yet, but I imagine it will be close to what the new line these watches is going for.

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

Gallery: Omega Constellation Ladies watch

Tags: constellation, ladies, lady, omega, purple, watch, white, women

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Chronograph Watch For The Ladies

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Now a little something for the ladies out there that are just sick of using Nike watches while engaged in physical activities - and want something more... substantial. You don't need to rely on a man's watch for a sophisticated instrument look, and now Omega has released a female sized version of one of its most popular watches. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph 600m is an attractive and classic watch, but the standard model is 45.5mm wide. Large on most male wrists, too big on most female wrists. A few years after the Planet Ocean made its big splash, Omega now releases a 37.5mm wide version for women who want to sport the same look without looking silly.

The watch case is in steel with a helium escape valve, metal bracelet, and 600 meters of water resistance. A perfect diving watch from a company know for making excellent divers. The chronograph pushers can be had with the pictured black tips, which are also available in orange. The orange versions have the tone carried over to parts of the rotating diver's bezel as well.

Inside the watch is COSC certified Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3313 automatic mechanical movement. The included chronograph complication uses the more desirable column wheel mechanism in the movement. While at 37.5mm wide in size, this Seamaster Planet Ocean watch is much smaller than the male version, it is actually about the same size as some of the Omega Seamaster 300m watches sold in various Asian countries as men's models.

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

Tags: 37.5, 600m, chronograph, female, ladies, omega, planet ocean, PlanetOcean, seamaster, watch, women

Omega Helps Michael Phelps And Massimiliano Rosolino Go On A Roman Holiday

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Ah, summer in Rome and two championship athletes there for training and competition can't seem to stay focused on the pool. Famous American Olympian Michael Phelps and star Italian swimmer Massimiliano Rosolino have a lot in common both being good swimmers and both Omega watch ambassadors. In what seemed like a friendly move, Omega got them together on a Vespa (of course) and the gents couldn't look happier. See them both wearing new 2009 Omega Seamaster Ploprof dive watches.

The idea was to recreate the setting and mood from the movie Roman Holiday for the photo op. The sentiment worked out pretty well. My only question is, who is supposed to be Audrey Hepburn? In this instance Mr. Phelps seems to be taking the role 'swimmingly,' and boy does he look happy sitting on the back of the White vintage Vespa. I have a feeling the two took the rest of the day off together for jaunting on Roman back roads via the scooter. The two indicated they had been spending a lot of time in the pool training for the FINA 09 event, so the break was sorely needed, I am sure. Reliable new Omega timepieces surely helped them not lose track of time.

This may also have been an attempt by Omega to expose the watch brand to new markets. For those who can appreciate the finer things in life such as White Vespas, cut-off shorts, and luxury timepieces.

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

Gallery: Phelps and Rosolino with Omega watch

Tags: massimiliano rosolino, MassimilianoRosolino, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, omega, ploprof, rome, watch

Omega Seamaster Ploprof In Gold For Only Watch 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

The re-released Omega Seamaster Ploprof watch was a big hit with collectors who lusted after the original Ploprof watch of the 1970s. So it makes sense that Omega's contribution to the Only Watch 2009 auction represent this iconic timepiece - but in gold. It is ironic that was is essentially a very dedicated diving instrument should be milled in 250 grams of solid 18k red gold. This watch will help you sink when diving. For this one-off timepiece you can clearly see the note on the dial of "1/1 Only Watch" There will not be any more of these to go around. Plus, as the watch will be up for auction it is anyone's guess right now at how much it will go for. Aside from being in red gold, the Only watch version of the Seamaster Ploprof is nicely done with a white dial, bezel, and rubber strap. Like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the bezel is covered with a sapphire crystal to protect it but keep it legible.

If you aren't familiar with the Ploprof watch functionality, allow me to cover it briefly. The 2009 (including this model) version of the watch is water resistant to 1200 meters, has an automatic helium escape valve, and a button (gold and white ceramic) at about 2 o'clock that is meant to release the rotating diver's bezel. The watch is over 55mm wide and 17.5 mm thick. The hands and hour indicators on the watch are also in red gold. Inside the watch is the Omega Calibre 8501 automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. The individual who purchases this timepiece will no doubt be the envy of many, and few will just laugh of them for the ludicrous nature of the watch as some may see it. The Only Watch 2009 auction will be held in Monaco on September 24th this year.

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

Tags: 2009, diver, gold, omega, only watch, OnlyWatch, ploprof, seamaster, watch

Second Man On Moon Buzz Aldrin At Omega Store NYC June 3rd

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Events

While the second man on the moon, Buzz Alrdin was the first to be recorded saying anything while on the surface. Now we will speak and meet with the public - along with select interviews at the Omega Boutique store in New York City on June 3rd, 2009. He is due to meet the public 4:00pm and will be joined by Omega CEO Stephen Urquhart. Omega's on going pride of it's status as developer and provider of the one one and only "moon watch" is now celebrated by its 40th year.
After all this time, Omega has preserved the basic elements that collectors love in the Apollo 11 Speedmaster Professional Moon watch. Omega regularly releases new Moon Watch models, but each stays true to the original. Buzz will bring along some moon landing memorabilia as well on the June 3rd event. It should be a noteworthy gathering for all Omega and Moon landing event fans. The Omega Flagship Boutique is located at 711 Fifth Street between 56th and 55th, New York City.

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

Tags: boutique store, BoutiqueStore, buzz aldrin, BuzzAldrin, moon landing, MoonLanding, omega, speedmaster

Omega's New John F. Kennedy Speedmaster Watch Ads

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Please note that the US President in this message does not endorse this ad. This is a brand new advertisement campaign from Omega with permission from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The ads will not be limited to the US, as this international campaign is part of a larger effort by Omega to increase demand for the brand worldwide. Recent efforts include the opening of a flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City, as well as a celebrity appearance by Michael Phelps (which makes sense as Omega is the official Olympics watch).

The Kennedy connection is of course possible due to licensing from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation that owns Kennedy's image's right of publicity. The idea behind the campaign is that because the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the official watch used by US astronauts, and eventually saw its way to the moon, it has a connection with John F. Kennedy who was instrumental in advancing US efforts to visit the moon and fund the space program. He was killed in 1963, several years before the space program was even looking too promising. I like how the ad displays the Speedmaster Moon Watch in the retro image, making it look perfectly at home, and helps advance the idea that it is really a timeless tool watch design. This year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the moon landing, for which special edition Omega Speedmaster Professional watches are available.

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

Tags: ad, advertisement, JFK, john f kennedy, JohnFKennedy, moon watch, MoonWatch, omega, speedmaster

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch 40th Anniversary Limited Edition: Now In Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The quintessential function-first, tool watch has finally gotten a healthy dose of gaudiness. It was only a matter of time before Omega decided that it needed to price a version of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch out of its core consumer's spending threshold. Available starting at Omega's new flagship 5th Avenue store in New York City - 69 pieces of the new 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Apollo 11 Moon Watch, in platinum, will tempt collectors. The watch case, bracelet, and hands are done in platinum. An 18k gold engraved plate on the caseback, and as the seconds subsidiary dial, are emblematic of the successful 1969 moon landing mission. The gold plate on the dial pictures an eagle landing on the moon, to celebrate the historical statement made famous by event stating, "the eagle has landed."

Even after 40 years, the watch remains very true to the original. Size of the case is 42mm wide, while the crystal is made out of an acrylic compound called Hesalite. Why not sapphire? Because the plastic is shatter-proof (even though it can scratch), and a shattered sapphire crystal in a space shuttle would be a disaster. The movement is a still manually wound Omega Caliber 1861 movement. Again, this has to do with the fact that an automatic movement would be worthless in a gravity-free environment.

The platinum version is in addition to a stainless steel version of the 40th Anniversay watch, which will also be in a limited edition, but of 7,969 pieces instead of the 69 pieces for the platinum version. From afar, the only thing telling the watches apart from is the color of the engraved plate on the dial - which is gold for the platinum watch, and sterling silver on the steel version. I would guess that price for the platinum version is $100,000 plus. Still a good looking watch, but did they take it too far? We will only know after seeing what Omega comes up with for the important 50th anniversary in another 10 years.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 40, 40th, anniversary, moon, moonwatch, omega, platinum, professional, speedmaster, watch

2009 Omega Constellation Watches For Women

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I predict that the attractive women's version of the 2009 Omega Constellation watch is going to be a hit. Like the new men's Omega Constellation watch, the women's version has been updated, but also beautifully decorated. The best version are the pictures models with Omega's "supernova" pattern erupting from the "constellation star." Diamonds appoint the bezel and dial as hour markers and as part of the patterning. Still, the watch is highly legible and useful.

The Omega Constellation's seamless bracelet has been updated to be more comfortable - and is unique for having no gaps and being so smoothly flexible. The models come in three different sizes at 24, 27, and 31mm wide. Cases are in gold, two-tone, or stainless steel, and the dials comes in a variety of treatments. The nicest of which is in my opinion the pictured model. The 31mm wide models have an in-house Omega Co-Axial 8520/8521 movement, while the smaller versions come with a quartz movement or a smaller Omega Co-Axial 2500 movement. The Constellation line for women is a flashy but sensible watch for special occasions or a woman not keen on being predictable and getting a Cartier.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 2009 Women's Omega Constellation Watch

Tags: 2009, constellation, diamonds, lady, omega, timepiece, watch, women

2009 Omega Constellation Watch For Men

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

There hasn't been a new Constellation from Omega in years, but 2009 brings a totally refreshed look that is true to the original and resists too much modern 'edge.' 1982 gave us the first Constellation watch, which was a very unique timepiece at the time - when the angular look was in. The new model retains the iconic bracelet with links and bars, the bezel claws, and the bezel lined with Roman numerals (on those models without diamonds of course).

The global appeal of the watch requires an array of models to fit regional tastes. The case is sized up to 38mm wide and goes down to 35mm for the men's models. Inside the watch is Omega's in-house made Co-Axial caliber 8500 or 8501 movements - which were certainly not available in the originals. Quartz movement versions of the watch are also available. For me the look has always been an acquired taste though there is nothing to dislike about the sensible good looks of the watch. In addition to the steel version, editions of the watch are available with gold accents and different color faces. Look for the new 2009 Omega Constellation models soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 09, 2009, constellation, men, mens, omega, timepiece, watch

Vice President Joe Biden Said To Wear A Quartz Omega Seamaster Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I love to spot watches on most everyone, and it is particularly gratifying to know what timepiece public figures wear. I can't take credit for spotting Vice President Joe Biden's timepiece, though reports suggest that he is an Omega fan and wears a Seamaster watch.

While not the most interesting of watches - or even Omega's finest for that matter - the Seamaster 300m seen on Biden is a classic, having been around as long as I can remember. This Omega watch was probably in at least one modern James Bond film, as the Seamaster line has been Omega's choice for 007. Being a diver's watch by nature, the timepiece's 300 meter water resistance and bright luminant covered hands make them perfect for underwater exploration and visibility. Also standard on this watch is a helium escape valve (the upper left crown), which is meant to preserve the watch while spending time in a diver's decompression chamber. Something Mr. Biden (like most people) probably does with great frequency (no, not really).

Biden's version of the Seamaster contains a quartz movement, but automatic mechanical versions are available. This choice of watch probably does not signify that the Vice President is a major watch lover, though he probably does have some penchant for nice things. The retail price today of this quartz Omega Seamaster 300m watch is roughly $2,000.

Via National Jeweler.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 300m, joe biden, JoeBiden, omega, quartz, seamaster, timepiece, vide president, VidePresident, watch

Daniel Craig Prefers Rolex

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Omega may now be the official watch of the James Bond films, but offscreen, nouveau 007 Daniel Craig is a diehard Rolex fan. In the original books, Bond creator Ian Fleming wrote that "[Bond] could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex." In the early Bond films, Sean Connery sported a Rolex Submariner, and Craig has said in interviews that he favors the identical model. Over at the Rolex Blog, Jake Ehrlich has done some impressive sleuthing into the James Bond / Craig / Rolex connection, examining quotes, photos and other clues.

In a 7-part series of posts, he determined that Craig usually wears a Rolex Submariner on a NATO spec, striped nylon strap (sold as the "James Bond" model). It is in fact not exactly the same as the one Connery sported in Goldfinger, as his was on slightly different regimental stripe strap. Most recently, Craig has been spotted wearing an understated stainless steel Oyster Perpetual (above), so he obviously has more than one Rolex in his arsenal.

Tags: 007, Daniel Craig, DanielCraig, James Bond, JamesBond, Omega, Rolex, Sean Connery, SeanConnery

Omega Auctioning $1.5 Million Olympics Collection Trunk

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions, Charity

Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind limited edition watch set in a bespoke black walnut trunk (above) that's expected to fetch up to $1.5 million. Known as the Unique No. 8 Collection and based on the Chinese concept of "lucky number 8", the rare and unique item is being offered at Sotheby's in Hong Kong today, with proceeds going to The Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation (CAEF).

The set is comprised of the eighth numbered piece of each of the 32 Limited Edition wristwatches in the Omega Beijing Olympic Collection, plus three Olympic Split Seconds Chronograph 1932 pocket watches, also numbered 008 in their limited editions of 100 pieces. The watches, including a set of split seconds open-faced chronographs in 18k yellow, white and red gold, are presented in a striking black walnut pagoda-style eight-drawer tower with intricate carving and a lacquered finish, paying homage to traditional Chinese architecture. Truly the ultimate Olympic collector's item.

Tags: China, Hong Kong, HongKong, Olympics, Omega, Sothebys

Omega Keeps Time in Beijing

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Swiss watchmaker Omega is the official timekeeper of the Olympics and they have created the Omega Pavilion on the Olympic Green in Beijing for the Olympics. The Pavillion is 2,500 square meters (nearly 27,000 square feet) over two floors and includes a large exhibition area, boutique and a stage for special events. The opening ceremony for the pavilion on April 4 was attended by several hundred members of the international press and other invited guests and four Omega brand ambassadors, Olympic multiple gold medallists Ian Thorpe and Alexander Popov, speedskater Yang Yang, the first Chinese athlete to win a gold medal at a Winter Olympic Games and shooter Xu Mai Feng who was the first Chinese gold medallist at a Summer Olympic Games.

Omega has 450 professional timekeepers and data handlers in Beijing to time all 302 events in 28 sports at 37 different venues. The Swiss brand's 420 tons of equipment include the many scoreboards and display units used at the Olympic Games.Omega first served as Official Olympic Timekeeper at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Omega has created limited edition Olympic versions of some of their most popular watch styles such as the DeVille, some of the collection is shown in the gallery below.

Gallery: Omega Olympic Beijing Watches

Tags: beijing, olympic, omega, timepieces, watches, wristwatch

Omega To Sell Replica JFK Watches

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In 2005, Omega spent $350,000 on the Ultra Thin Omega watch that belonged to President John F. Kennedy. Now they are making the most of their investment with the launch of a limited-edition timepiece that will be virtually identical to the "Ultra Thin" Omega that Kennedy wore during his January 20, 1961 inauguration and throughout much of his presidency. There will be 261numbered commemorative timepieces available for purchase this spring. The watches will have the same 18K gold casing and black leather strap as well as the gold stamp of the word "Omega" and the company's symbol both on the original. Each wristwatch will retail for $8,250 and will be available for purchase in time for Father's Day. Given the recent comparisons between the two in the media, it would be the perfect gift for Barack Obama.

Source

Tags: john f kennedy, omega, timepiece, wristwatch

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