Swiss watchmaker Omega introduces striking new novelties to its 2021 lineup, including a black take on the Seamaster and an ode to NASA.
While everyone loves a classic – that’s why it became a classic – there’s nothing wrong with innovative takes on those iconic creations. Timepiece novelties are a case in point. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle, these new interpretations on classic watches allow watch lovers the chance to get a timepiece that’s just a little more personal, just a little different than the stock-standard releases. We look at two of our favourite additions.
READ: 8 Natural Ways to Boost Your Testosterone
First created by Omega in 1957, the Seamaster 300 represents one of the most famous watches in underwater history. Admired by generations of divers, it has remained an iconic timepiece for more than 60 years.
In 2021, Omega’s famous diving watch embraces the dark side, with a new model in the blackest black. On this exciting new addition to the Diver 300M collection first released in 1993, Omega has taken advantage of ceramic’s versatility, to create a watch in contrasting shades from a single colour. As always, Omega has stayed true to the 300M’s original design and ensures the watch meets all required dive watch functions.
As well as being easy on the eye, the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black is easy to read – even in the dark – thanks to the introduction of anthracite Super-LumiNova to the diving scale, the black PVD indexes and skeleton hands, and dot at 12H. While these accents light up in different colours in the dark, under sunlight they turn dark-grey, in keeping with the overall aesthetic.
To create a true sense of deepness, and to signify the darkest corners of the ocean, the 43.5 mm polished-brushed case in black ceramic is fixed to the wrist by an integrated black rubber strap with a buckle in the same material as the case. To ensure every part of the watch blends in beautifully, Omega’s watchmakers have also created black ceramic versions of the crown and helium escape valve.
In another first, Omega has laser-ablated almost every detail on the black ceramic dial. From the iconic waves to the minute track, wording and even the Omega symbol, the details have been crafted in positive relief from just one single piece. The unique construction method delivers a superb contrasting effect while giving the watch a very distinctive, uniform and sculptural look. The same positive relief style can be found on the diving scale of the unidirectional bezel.
READ: Under Armour’s New Runner is Faster Than the Wind
Adding some light to the darkness is a sapphire crystal window in the polished-brushed black ceramic caseback, with a clear view of the movement, an Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, certified at the industry’s highest standards of precision, performance and magnetic resistance by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
If the darkness of space is more your thing, Omega has created a new range of Velcro straps astronaut-friendly fixtures and bold branding to celebrate the shared history of the global watchmaker and the famous American space agency.
Nicknamed the “meatball”, NASA’s famous planet-shaped insignia in red, white and blue, released in 1959, stylishly captures the space-age optimism of the mid-20th century. There are three 20 mm straps in all – and to show them at their best, the watch guru has fixed them to a timepiece that couldn’t be more appropriate – Omega’s Master Chronometer certified Moonwatch.
READ: IWC Creates Paper Straps
An Omega Speedmaster is an essential piece of space kit. That said, an astronaut would never opt to wear a metal bracelet during an extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk. Spacesuits add bulk and weight and a Velcro strap is the only fixture versatile enough to adjust on the go and expand and contract with the conditions.
Omega’s Velcro straps are available in three colours: black, white and silver. Black represents the darkness of space and the actual straps worn on the lunar surface. The shade is also a perfect match for the Moonwatch dial. White is a nod to the Apollo-era spacesuits and the evocative title of Omega’s historic mission to create the perfect space watch – the Alaska Project, while silver pays tribute to the shiny suits worn on the pre-Apollo missions: Gemini and Mercury. It is also a suitable bracelet replacement for wearers who like the versatility of Velcro and the look of metal.
As launched earlier this year, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer is a superb continuation of the Moonwatch legacy. Not only is it updated with the best of modern precision, but it also features some of the most iconic 4th generation details, which were familiar to NASA astronauts who ventured into space.
For more Collectables inspiration click here.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? FOLLOW ALPHA MEN ASIA ON FACEBOOK, OR INSTAGRAM AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HONG KONG-CENTRIC NEWSLETTER HERE
