ARCHIVE - WATCH OF THE DAY

[Houston]

No 41 - August 13 2007

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL SPECIAL EDITION

Over forty years after being flight-qualified by NASA and half a century since it was first launched, the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional of today still bears more than just a striking resemblance to the models used in the Gemini programme, the release of which photographs led to OMEGA adding the word Professional to the dial of the watch. The legendary hand-wound chronograph movement used in the Speedmaster has naturally undergone some modifications to bring it in line with today's standards in mechanical watchmaking. In respect of this commemorative offering, the calibre 1861 delivers a power reserve of 45 hours and has rhodium-plated surfaces with polished bevelled edges, special wave decoration and circular-graining with gold-plated engravings.

The Gemini 4 is a special limited edition model characterised by its distinctive and attractive blue dial which is highlighted by silver counters for the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph totalisers and continuous seconds. The blue theme is also continued on the bezel, with the familiar tachymeter scale reproduced on a blue aluminium ring. The commemorative nature of this timepiece is borne out by a subtle red engraving " 1965-2005 " below the Speedmaster name at 12 o'clock on the dial. The applied OMEGA symbol above the name in company with the 12 rhodium-plated hour markers further enhance the tone of luxury indicating the special nature of this limited edition of the Speedmaster. In all other respects, the watch remains a classic Speedmaster, with the same case, bracelet and hesalite crystal found on the standard Speedmaster Professional model, the 3570.50. A distinctive Gemini 4 mission patch, bearing the names of the crew, McDivitt and White and an illustration of the first space walk is etched in red on the sapphire crystal case back with the engraving "First Space Walk 40th Anniversary" and the limited edition number of the watch. The limited series is numbered 0001/2005 to commemorate the 40th anniversary year and only 2005 of these models were produced and offered in a special gift box.

Pictures – omegawatches.com








Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 42 - August 14 2007

OMEGA OLYMPIC COLLECTION
SPEEDMASTER DATE LOS ANGELES 1932

When OMEGA was given full reign as official timekeeper at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, it used 30 pocket-watch sized counters and chronographs, each of which had an easily legible white dial with black Arabic numerals. The only other elements on the dial were the trademark red OMEGA name and symbol as found on all of the company's timepieces at the time.


The Special OMEGA Olympic collection issued in March 2004 recall the very beginnings of the brand's timekeeping exploits with a design that harks back to those first chronographs used at the 1932 Olympic Games. The collection sees reproductions of the original dials of these models, complete with the period red OMEGA name and symbol. The case back of each model is engraved with the five Olympic rings.


The OMEGA SPEEDMASTER DATE, LOS ANGELES 1932, model reference 3513.20.00, has a stainless-steel case which measures 37.0mm in diameter and is water resistant to 30 metres. A tachometer scale is engraved on the stainless steel bezel and the watch has a matching stainless-steel bracelet with snap-fastening clasp. The design touches include red chronograph hands for the central seconds, 30-minute totaliser at 12o’clock and 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock, Paris-style Arabic numerals and the red OMEGA symbol and name as used on the original chronographs employed for timekeeping at the 1932 Olympic Games. The unique dial is also complemented by blued-steel hour, minute and small seconds hands and is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.


Power is derived through the OMEGA calibre 1152 self-winding chronograph movement which has an exclusive rhodium-plated finish and it boasts a power reserve of 44 hours. The Olympic Rings which represent the five continents of the world are engraved on the case back of the watch as a symbol of OMEGA’s unparalleled record of timekeeping in the Olympic Games.

Pictures – omegawatches.com











Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 43 - August 15 2007

OMEGA MUSEUM COLLECTION
LIMITED EDITION 2003

The third model in the OMEGA Museum Collection is a re-edition of a rare chronograph from 1945, an immediately striking feature of which is its’ richly complex instrument dial. Housed in a brushed stainless steel original case with a diameter of 38.4mm, it has a bezel which features a polished bevel and Arabic numerals, with the numbers 1 to 11 in black and number 12 in red. The case is complete with a brushed steel intricate crown and pushers with polished bevel.

The opaline black dial has a silver minute track and pulsometer scale, a tachymeter scale to 20 km/h in yellow gold on the outermost and innermost scales and a telemeter scale in red gold with the central chronograph seconds hand, a minute counter at 3 o'clock and continuous small seconds at 9 o'clock. The OMEGA name and symbol are in yellow gold and located above centre of dial. The feuille hands add further highlight to the already sumptuous richness of the dial, all of which sit under a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside.


The source of power of this exciting and intricate timepiece is the OMEGA calibre 3200 manual winding column-wheel chronograph movement with 55-hour power reserve and rhodium-plated surfaces with circular graining. It has the highly decorative Geneva wave decor and gold-plated engravings. The case-back bears a special engraving, as well as the limited-edition number. Production of this rare piece, the model no 5702.50.02 which is presented with a brown leather strap is limited to 1945 pieces.

Pictures – omegawatches.com












Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 44 - August 16 2007

OMEGA MUSEUM COLLECTION LIMITED SERIES
- THE MARINE 1932

OMEGA expands its Museum Collection of reproduction vintage timepieces with the addition of the Marine 1932 watch: the first in lineage of Seamaster divers’ watches and an eloquent proponent of Art Deco aesthetics. This Limited Series of 135 recreations of the Marine 1932 commemorates the 1937 trials that officially certified the watch’s water resistance to 135 metres. The hand-winding Marine 1932 becomes the seventh OMEGA family member of the Museum Collection. In keeping with the philosophy that inspired the Museum Collection, the watch joins the 21st century with the incorporation of OMEGA Calibre 2007. The double case has been crafted in contrasting 18-carat red and white gold and enlarged to show off the sleek lines that capture the aesthetics and design mood of the 1930’s.



Always on the look out for new challenges, OMEGA patented the first divers’ watches for commercial use in the early 1930’s. Elements such as water, dust, shocks and magnetism posed a challenge for wristwatches and the début of the 1932 OMEGA Marine paved the way for a new generation of professional divers’ watches and the creation of the renowned Seamaster range. With its innovative and patented double sliding and removable case in stainless steel - designed to protect the mechanism from extreme temperature variations and pressure - the Marine 1932 made underwater history and received enthusiastic testimonies from submarine explorers of the day.

The first rudimentary experiments on the Marine watch were conducted in 1936 and involved immersing the watch into water at a temperature of 85° Celsius for several minutes and then plunging it directly into water with a temperature of 5° Celsius to test its resistance to extreme temperature variations. In another experiment, illustrated in a period advertisement, the watch was sunk to a depth of 73 metres in nearby Lake Geneva at a temperature of 5° Celsius for 30 minutes. Although the watch’s performance attested to its water resistance, more exacting and controlled testing was commissioned by OMEGA. After a series of trials undertaken by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology in Neuchâtel in May 1937, the watch was certified as being able to withstand a pressure of 13.5 atmospheres, equivalent to a depth of 135 metres, without any water intake whatsoever. Dr. Charles William Beebe, a famous American ocean explorer, weighted himself down and took a 14-metre plunge in the Pacific Ocean with his OMEGA Marine. Upon surfacing, Beebe proclaimed that the Marine’s “resistance to water and dust, its robustness and resilience to rust represent true progress in watchmaking science”.



The dial of this Limited Edition Marine 1932, with its clean geometric lines, is pure Art Deco. The solid gold dial has been satin brushed for increased texture and offsets the finely polished minute track. The blued steel “Modern Plume” hands glide past the large Arabic numerals and the vintage OMEGA logo and name are featured at 12 o’clock.
The philosophy that inspired OMEGA to create the Museum Collection was to take a timepiece from the past and marry it to the latest technological breakthroughs in watchmaking. As part of the Museum Collection, the Marine 1932 has been fitted with a personalised movement. OMEGA Calibre 2007 - exclusively designed for the occasion - powers the heart of this historic hand-winding watch transporting it into the 21st century with the incorporation of a Co-Axial escapement. The Co-Axial escapement, exclusive and proprietary OMEGA technology, represents one of the most important advances in watchmaking over the last 250 years and considerably reduces friction in the heart of the watch mechanism for improved long-term reliability and accuracy. Performance is further enhanced by a free-sprung balance allowing for more precise adjustments of the watch. The Marine 1932 offers a 48-hour power reserve.



The double interlocking case of the Marine 1932 remains one of OMEGA’s crowning design feats with its ingenious coupling of resiliency and beauty. The two cases, in contrasting red and white gold slide in and out of one another with absolutely no resistance. As a Museum Collection piece, the external case has been enlarged (33.05 mm wide and 50.50 mm long) and showcases the unmistakable Art Deco elements of the watch with its smooth edges and tiered, curved lugs. The 18-carat red gold case, designed to protect the inner case from external aggressions, has been satin brushed and polished to provide contrasting textures. The 1930 patented locking lever seals the two bodies hermetically for underwater immersions of up to 135 metres/450 feet. By releasing the lever, the 18-carat white gold interior case glides out revealing its movement and the manual winding crown at 12 o’clock. The sapphire crystal case back allows a view of the luxury finish with the white rhodium-plated movement and Geneva waves, circular-graining and gold plated engraving.



The Limited number Series is engraved on the red gold exterior case back which has a vertically satin brushed finish.
Print advertisements published in 1936 for the OMEGA Marine refer to the robust qualities of the seal leather strap featured on the watch and its ability to withstand damage even after three weeks in sea-water! Today’s Limited Series Museum Collection Marine 1932 is fitted with an elegant matt black alligator leather strap and 18-carat red gold foldover clasp for additional security. An Art Deco classic revisited with a contemporary heart.

Pictures and Text – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 45 - August 17 2007

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER BROAD ARROW
ENAMEL DIAL LIMITED SERIES

The limited series of this special edition celebrated the launch of the OMEGA Speedmaster Broad Arrow collection. The model was endowed with 18-carat gold reproductions of the Broad Arrow hands which were found on the first Speedmaster that was introduced in 1957. Beneath the anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is an enamel dial with Arabic numerals, the central chronograph seconds hand, small seconds subdial, 30 minute and 12 hour totalisers and the limited series number engraved at 6 o’clock.

The power reserve of 55 hours is delivered by the chronometer-certified, self-winding OMEGA calibre 3320 with circular graining, Geneva wave decor, rhodium-plated surfaces and gold-plated engravings. The rotor is platinum with the Speedmaster medallion in 18-carat gold that matches the colour of the case. The case is embellished with an 18-carat gold bezel with tachymetric scale and a screw-in and engraved transparent caseback along with the Omega double-gasket crown ensures water resistance to a depth of 100 metres. The inscription reads “ Speedmaster Enamel Limited Series ".

As a limited series, 99 pieces are available, each, in white, yellow or red gold. A special collectors’ item of 9 additional nine box sets containing the three different models was also produced.

Pictures – omegawatches.com












Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 46 - August 20 2007

OMEGA DE VILLE CO-AXIAL CHRONOMETER
LIMITED EDITION IN WHITE GOLD

Launched in 1999, the De Ville Chronometer in White Gold was produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units. It followed the limited number editions of the chronometer in red and yellow gold both of which were introduced in equally similar production runs and just 100 examples which were made in platinum. This was the first time that the revolutionary COSC-certified, self-winding Co-Axial OMEGA calibre 2500, one of the most significant innovations in the history of mechanical timekeeping was used in a watch. In it were to be found, numerous small details and the highest quality standards, including circular graining, Geneva waves, rhodium-plating and gold engravings, making the De Ville Chronometer a top-of-the-range mechanical watch.

Housed in an 18-carat white gold case, sitting beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal, was a silvered dial with raised inner section, in the style of certain exceptional models of the Constellation. More importantly, the new range of De Ville which was to encompass a chronograph, small seconds model, power reserve and other specialties was to herald the advent of the De Ville as being the new flagship range of Omega’s collection of desirable timepieces. The attractive feuille hands with luminescent inserts set off the dial perfectly, contrasting against the raised luminescent hour markers and Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock. The De Ville Chronometer Limited Edition in White Gold was available with a black alligator strap with deployment clasp and came in a special wooden presentation case complete with its’ COSC certificate

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 47 - August 21 2007

OMEGA SEAMASTER PROFESSIONAL
OO7 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION

There is a distinctive nostalgic look to our Watch Of The Day threads this week as I am humbly reminded during my wondrous journey through the archives of OMEGA’s press room that there have been some very exceptional and desirable timepieces which the company has produced since it began to re-establish its’ reputation following the dark days of the quartz revolution thanks to belief in the traditions and potential of the company by Nicholas Hayek whose vision and astute guidance have brought Bienne to a revitalised position of strength as it ventures towards a new golden age. Since the movie "Goldeneye" in 1995, the OMEGA Seamaster Professional has become inexorably associated with the character of Ian Fleming’s hero. As OMEGA remains “ the choice of James Bond ”, it was only appropriate that the 40th anniversary of the films centered around the fictional character should be commemorated by a special edition of the timepiece that has become known as “ The Bond Watch ”.


Though the wrist of the Bond hero in Goldeneye bore a quartz, it is the mechanical version, initially powered by the venerable OMEGA calibre 1120, though now by the Co-Axial movement, that has established this model at the forefront of sales and promotional-related matters of the Seamaster Professional 300M chronometer. Both elegant and purposeful in design, it harbours features that set the watch apart as a genuine divers watch and yet retaining a dress-quality appearance. As the "Professional" name suggests and being a diver’s watch, it has a unidirectional turning bezel with minute markers on a blue aluminium ring for measuring immersion times, a protected screw-in crown and case back to ensure water resistance to a depth of 300 metres or conversely, 1,000 feet. There is a helium escape valve for use in diving bells by professional divers and a special metal clasp that can be extended for wearing outside a wetsuit.

The unique dial of the model 2537.80 has a 007 background with an applied 007 logo at 6 o'clock and luminous skeleton hands in company with the applied luminous hour markers. The case back has the OMEGA and 007 logos set inside the familiar lens motif seen at the start of all Bond movies, encircled by the inscription "40 YEARS OF JAMES BOND LIMITED SERIES". The limited series run was set 10,007 pieces, each with its individual number engraved at 6 o'clock on the case back. A large run for a limited series you may say but finding one sadly, would be near impossible.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 48 - August 22 2007

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER BROAD ARROW
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER LIMITED EDITION

This limited edition of the Speedmaster Broad Arrow was released to celebrate the occasion of Michael Schumacher’s five world championships which was achieved in year 2002. Available on either a bracelet or black leather strap, this black dial watch has an 18-carat red gold case. The bezel with its’ tachymetric scale is in brushed 18-carat red gold as are the applied OMEGA symbol and hour markers, broad Arrow hour and minute hands and the central chronograph hand. Red gold circles surround the chronograph totalisers being 30minutes at 3 o’clock and 12 hours at 6 o’clock. The continuous seconds counter at 9 o’clock bears a similar surround in red gold and the date window at 6 o'clock displays the date in red gold against a black date wheel. In commemorating the achievements of Michael Schumacher, his name is written in red gold lettering on either side of the 12 hour totaliser.


Power is delivered by the chronometer-certified, self-winding OMEGA 3303 movement which is a column-wheel chronograph movement ensuring precision operation of all chronograph functions. It delivers a power reserve of 55 hours. Thanks to the presence of a screw-in caseback and OMEGA double gasket crown, water resistance is given at 100metres. The caseback bears a special engraving with the inscription “ Michael Schumacher Five Times World Champion ” with each year engraved between the tool notches. This was a limited production of 555 individually-numbered pieces, 50 of which were on an 18-carat red gold bracelet, the model reference 3159.50.00. The remaining 505 pieces were supplied with a black alligator strap with 18-carat red gold foldover clasp under the model reference 3659.50.31. A new version was released later with a revised dark blue dial.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 49 - August 23 2007

OMEGA SEAMASTER PROFESSIONAL 300M
- A LOOK BACK IN TIME

In its’ swansong year, the OMEGA Seamaster Professional 300m Diver Chronometer has been a success story given its’ proven reliability underwater and its’ unmistakable style above the surface. Housed in a stainless steel case and bracelet, its’ striking dial with characteristic wave imprint and large luminescent hour markers and sword hands with Super Luminova inserts have made it the perfect diving tool. Its’ polished steel unidirectional turning bezel with minute scale, domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, screw-in crown in company with screw-in case back and helium escape valve are all necessary attributes that go to making this watch OMEGA’s most successful diver in its’ modern era.

Power is derived from the OMEGA calibre 1120 which is a self-winding chronometer-certified movement, delivering a power reserve of 44 hours.

This year, the 1120 gives way to the Co-Axial calibre 2500 one of the 20th’s century’s major innovations in mechanical watchmaking. It is one of the movements in OMEGA’s future. The prestige watch manufacturer founded in 1848 has since then has continually set the pace in the many fields of watchmaking: from precision, competitions, sports timekeeping, design awards to watches for professional use in space or underwater. In identifying closely with a world of achievements that includes the conquest of space, timekeeping at 22 Olympic Games, numerous precision records and design awards, OMEGA keeps ahead with developments as it enters a new chapter in its’ history, delivering tempting examples of horological excellence.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 50 - August 26 2007

OMEGA DE VILLE X2 RED SQUARE

It was in 1899, that for the first time the Swiss watchmaker Omega established itself in Russia with the delivery of the official watch, a Lepine 18’’’ LOB, of the Riga electric tramway company. One hundred and seven years later, Omega opens a flagship store in the heart of Moscow in the famous GUM department store, located on the Red Square. This Neo-Russian building was built at the end of the 19th century by Alexander Pomerantsev and takes up almost the entire eastern side of the Red Square. Today, the GUM counts more than one thousand designer and luxury boutiques. To celebrate the opening of its Boutique in Moscow, Omega presents a special edition: the De Ville X2 “Red Square”.

Setting new standards in master watchmaking for the third millennium, Omega’s exclusive Co-Axial Escapement technology powers the movement of this imposing square De Ville special edition the X2 “Red Square” Co-Axial chronometer. Only available in 18-ct. red gold, this noble metal is a fitting presentation for the superlative De Ville timepiece. The X2 was inspired by the 1951 Cosmic that as watch enthusiasts will remember, was originally housed in a smaller (33mm x 33mm) case. The model was re-launched in 2001 as a limited edition “Museum” piece of which only 1,951 examples were produced. Once again adopting the Cosmic’s distinctive styling, the De Ville X2 “Red Square” offers a fresh take on this classic to complement the extraordinary heart that beats inside. The X2 “Red Square” is a manly-sized timepiece (35mm x 35mm) with a twist that uses striking contrasts with panache, producing a bold, new take on luxury watchmaking.

The X2’s name refers to the juxtaposition of the audaciously large gold Roman and Arabic numerals on the four-hour markers. Self-assured design gestures such as this, combined with fine workmanship are the key to the X2’s intriguing looks. On the dial the three dimensional, highly polished applied numerals, Omega logo and name are all crafted out of 18-ct red gold.

The 18-ct red gold dial has a vertically brushed-gold finish which offsets the black painted “railway” minute track, with its polished and brushed minute-circle, and the polished window of the small seconds’ sector at six o’clock. Exemplary of the level of detail on the dial, the ‘Alpha’-styled minute and hour hands are facetted and diamond-polished and like the small seconds skeleton hand are all fashioned in 18-ct red gold.

The contrast of the play of light between the lustre of the polished finish and the brushed-gold edges soften the strong lines of the robust case. Even the lugs are facetted and then polished and brushed to match the finishes of the case and together, create a harmonious whole.

The power behind this stunning watch is provided by a self-winding Omega calibre 2610. This officially certified chronometer (COSC) movement has a 48-hour power reserve and is fitted with Omega’s proprietary Co-Axial Escapement and the Omega free-sprung balance. Together they offer excellent stability to the watch’s going rate over long periods and enhance the performance of a truly superlative chronometer. Luxurious finishes such as decorated bridges confirm the prestigious nature of this movement. Even the back of the watch is decorated with a vertically brushed satin finish and a medallion of Chronos, the Greek god of time, and the legend ‘X2 Co-Axial Escapement’. The case also bears the limited series number of the piece which is produced in a limited series of 99 pieces, only available at Omega boutiques.

For all the attention to aesthetics and mechanical superiority, this watch has a strong practical streak. The familiar facetted and diamond-polished Alpha hands are coated with a luminous finish to ensure optimum visibility at night. The domed sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant and has a multiple-layer, anti-reflective treatment on the inside of the glass and is water resistant to 50 meters/167ft. Like all De Villes featuring the Co-Axial movement, the X2 “Red Square” comes with a three-year guarantee. The watch is presented on a high-gloss black alligator leather strap that is integrated into the case between the lugs and a brushed 18-ct red gold fold-over clasp ensures the watch remains securely fastened yet offers maximum comfort to the wearer.

Pictures and Text – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 51 - August 27 2007

OMEGA OLYMPIC COLLECTION
SPEEDMASTER BROAD ARROW MELBOURNE 1956

The Speedmaster Broad Arrow 1956 possesses the striking hands of the original Speedmaster chronograph which was launched in 1957. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet, it has a satin-finished stainless steel bezel that is engraved with a tachometric scale. Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal is a black dial, the design of which recalls the original OMEGA chronographs used at Olympic Games with the white Paris-style Arabic numerals, red chronograph hands for the central seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour totalisers in company with the vintage OMEGA symbol and name in red. The screw-in case back and OMEGA double gaskets for the crown and chronograph pushers ensure water resistance equivalent to pressure at a depth of 100metres.

Power for this commemorative timepiece is supplied by the OMEGA calibre 3303, a self-winding, chronometer-certified, column-wheel chronograph movement, complete with circular graining, Geneva wave decor, rhodium-plated surfaces and gold-plated engravings. It delivers a power reserve of 55 hours and uses the OMEGA free-sprung balance for better regulating stability. This limited edition piece, model reference 3556.50.00 is engraved on its caseback with the Olympic rings bearing a timey reminder of OMEGA’s unparalleled record of timekeeping at the Olympic Games.

Pictures and Text – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 52 - August 28 2007

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL
– SNOOPY EDITION

The OMEGA Speedmaster had been the first timepiece to be flight-qualified by NASA for extra-vehicular use on manned space missions. The character of Snoopy has been linked with space for over three decades since the Apollo 10 module was called Snoopy and the popular cartoon dog was chosen as the emblem for NASA’s most prestigious award. Snoopy was chosen because he was a character with whom everyone could associate. The coverted award comprises a sterling silver pin which has flown on board the Space Shuttle and takes the form of Snoopy wearing a space helmet and a space suit. Recipients are also presented with a certificate and a letter of commendation that has been personally signed by an astronaut citing the astronaut’s appreciation for outstanding performance. OMEGA of course had been the proud recipient of the Snoopy Award as signed by the three astronauts of Apollo 13 on October 5, 1970 in recognition of the crucial role that the Speedmaster chronograph played on the mission.

At the time OMEGA received the Snoopy Award, 450 Speedmaster chronographs had been produced and the current model of today retains the same appearance of its’ illustrious predecessor save for a few minor changes. Housed in a polished stainless steel case with tapered and facetted lugs, it has a steel bezel with a black aluminium ring which features a tachometric scale. The hesalite crystal which remains standard issue on the current model 3570.50 protects the black dial and its’ luminous hands and hour markers. The 1/5th second graduations for the chronograph remain and the screw-in case back fulfills its’ original remit for a robust and reliable chronograph and ensures water resistance to 50m.

The movement of the Speedmaster additionally remains largely unchanged with the exception of certain improvements bringing it in line with the latest technical standards. This is hardly surprising since the Speedmaster in its’ original guise has been one of the masterpieces in the history of watchmaking. That it is still flight-qualified by NASA and chosen by the rival space agency despite great leaps in progress bears firm testimony to the reknown, recognised and extraordinary reliability of its’ movement, the current derivative of which is the OMEGA calibre 1861, a manual-winding chronograph movement delivering a power reserve of 48 hours.

The Limited Edition Snoopy Award Speedmaster Professional is distinguished by the award patch inset in colour in the continuous seconds counter at 9 o’clock. This same attractively striking design is reproduced on the special sapphire caseback of the watch. It is achieved by a special etching and the emblem is painted onto the sapphire crystal which adds an extra dimension to the colours when seen against the light. Production of this highly exclusive timepiece was limited to 5,441 numbered pieces, the unusual number reflecting the elapsed time of Mission 13, being 142 hours, 54 minutes and 41 seconds.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 53 - August 29 2007

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER
– MICHAEL SCHUMACHER “ THE LEGEND ” COLLECTION

The Michael Schumacher “ The Legend ” Collection comprises a set of 3 sports chronographs in stainless steel on a stainless steel bracelet. They were issued in recognition of the historic achievements in Formula One of OMEGA Ambassador Michael Schumacher. The power reserve, rated at 55 hours is derived through, a prestige chronograph movement, the chronometer-certified OMEGA calibre 3301, a self-winding movement with column-wheel mechanism.

Model 3506.31.00, the first in the series is housed in a case measuring 38.8mm in diameter and equipped with a double-gasket crown ensuring water resistance to 100m/330ft. A distinguishing feature of this model is its’ sporty silver dial with countersunk two-tone silver and black totalisers and white minute track on a black oouter minute circle while the Speedmaster name is printed in red on the dial. As with the legendary Speedmaster Professional, it possesses the familiar rhodium-plated hands in company with the tachymeter scale, the latter imprinted on a brushed steel bezel. The dial of The Legend is protected by a scratch-rresistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and the movement, by a screw-in caseback with the inscription “ Michael Schumacher The Legend Collection ”.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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[Houston]

No 54 - August 30 2007

OMEGA DE VILLE CO-AXIAL COLLECTION
- SMALL SECONDS LIMITED EDITION

For Baselworld 2004, OMEGA presented two new limited-edition models in the De Ville Co-Axial collection that added two classic watch complications to the newly-established Co-Axial movements. One of these was the Small Seconds and the other, the Big Date. Both models were available in yellow, red or white gold.

The Small Seconds Limited Edition was housed in the familiar De Ville Co-Axial case which took certain design elements from the popular OMEGA models of the 1950s. The 38.7mm case with matching polished bezel was water-resistant to 100m/330ft. Each model had a domed silver dial with 12 facets, a raised central zone and applied, facetted hour markers that matched the colour of the case. Facetted, diamond-polished Alpha hour and minute hands filled with Super Luminova inserts and a blued small seconds hand in a sub dial at 6 o’clock completed the dial.

The De Ville Co-Axial Small Seconds was fitted with the OMEGA calibre 2300 which featured the Co-Axial escapement and free-sprung balance, both proprietary OMEGA innovations which offered stability in the going rate of the watch over a longer term. Power reserve was given at 48 hours as confirmed by the official COSC chronometer certificates.

The Small Seconds complication had a timeless look as a first limited series. The countersunk small seconds dial nestles perfectly between the 6 o’clock hour marker and the axis of the hour and minute hands with the blue-steel small seconds hand read off against 12 simple strokes on a background of fine concentric circles.

Production was strictly limited to 699 pieces in each type of gold and the watches were delivered with a brown alligator strap and matching foldover clasp. Each had a sapphire caseback revealing the movement in meticulous detail with the individual number engraved in the form of 00X/699. The low production numbers ensured that these watches were a true connoisseur collection as a combination of classic design and the state of art in mechanicam watch movements.

Pictures – omegawatches.com














Please Note that our Watch Of The Day Threads are created to present the timeless beauty, elegance, functionality and desirability of OMEGA watches. As such, some items may be discontinued and replaced by newer models. Others however are part of special limited edition production runs.

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No 55 - August 31 2007

OMEGA SEAMASTER PROFESSIONAL
GMT CO-AXIAL CHRONOMETER

Designed as a robust divers' watch, the OMEGA Seamaster Professional has a solid and durable 41mm stainless-steel case with a screw-in case back and a screw-in protected crown that ensure water resistance to 300 metres. It offers several useful features for professional divers: a helium escape valve, which can be opened during resurfacing in a diving bell; a special clasp on the bracelet with a fold-out extension that allows the watch to be worn with a wetsuit and a notched bezel with minute scale that rotates anti-clockwise, allowing elapsed times to be recorded accurately and safely.


The Seamaster Professional GMT Co-Axial Chronometer was first seen at Baselworld 2004 and was readily recognisable with its’ trademark blue dial with wave imprint, applied hour markers filled with luminous Super Luminova dots and skeleton hands coated with Super Luminova. The red GMT hand makes one rotation every twenty-four hours and can be used to read off a second time zone on the 24-hour scale beneath the hour markers. This useful function is provided by the Omega calibre 2628 Co-Axial movement, a self-winding chronometer with a power reserve of 44 hours that is visible behind the transparent sapphire crystal case back. Since their launch in 1999, Omega's Co-Axial movements have proved worthy alternatives to the traditional Swiss lever escapement, offering reduced friction and, therefore, greater long-term accuracy. The Co-Axial movements also use the Omega free sprung-balance without index, which avoids the disturbing effects of contact between the balance-spring and the index pins and therefore ensures stability of the watch's going rate over long periods of use. This high-precision movement, with official Swiss chronometer certification (COSC), has a meticulous finish with circular-graining, Geneva wave decor, polished bevelled bridges, rhodium-plated surfaces and gilt engravings.

Pictures and text assistance– omegawatches.com

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