Introducing: The Omega Seamaster 1948 Limited Editions

March 21, 2018

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Seamaster, and Omega is celebrating with a pair of limited edition watches that call back to the model's early years. Both feature 38mm stainless steel cases, refined, domed silvered dials, and classic applied markers. Notably, neither shows the date, which is something I (and I'm sure a lot of you out there) love. One has leaf hands a small seconds register, while the other has dauphine hands and center seconds. Otherwise, the two are very similar.While the watches look very old-school, inside are high-tech, thoroughly-modern Omega movements that are automatic, METAS-certified calibers with co-axial escapements. Could Omega have gone manual with these? Sure, and I'd be gushing even more here, but this is a more generally user-friendly choice that makes complete sense. There's a subtle bit of military tribute going on here too, since Omega provided a lot of watches to the British MOD during the years leading up to the Seamaster's creation. There are some caseback etchings nodding to this, though Omega didn't go too heavy with those references (which I think is a good thing here).? The two models are very similar, though the movements are ever so slightly different and the styling of the small seconds model is more 1940s while the styling of the center seconds model is a little more 1950s. Both are limited editions of 1,948 pieces.? These watches might look old-school, but there's new-school tech inside. Initial Thoughts As you probably already guessed, I'm a big fan of these watches. The Seamaster is one of the most storied collections in all of watchmaking and doing something fitting for a big anniversary is a no-brainer. Going all the way back to square one though is a smart approach. Most importantly, however, these look like watches that someone today with no knowledge of vintage watches at all could be pick up and enjoy, totally context free. They're a good size, the styling is classic but a little striking, and the movements inside are some of the best everyday movements you can find anywhere. Being able to buy a watch with an anti-magnetic, chronometer certified, automatic movement with a co-axial escapement for under $6,500 is a special thing that we shouldn't ignore or make light of.Ahead of the show opening, these might be the two watches I'm most excited to see in the metal. If the details have been executed as properly as I think they have been, these could be two straight up home runs for Omega.?Personally, I think it's the sub-seconds model for me, since it feels a little more 1940s, but it's almost a coin flip. Which do you prefer? I'd love to know, so drop a note in the comments below. The center seconds model feels more 1950s than 1940s. The Basics Brand: OmegaModel: Seamaster 1948 Center Seconds and Seamaster 1948 Small SecondsDiameter: 38mm (both)Thickness: 11.2mm (center seconds), 11.65mm (small seconds)Case Material: Stainless SteelDial: Opaline silver (with domed profile and applied 18k gold at 12 o'clock)Indexes: Applied Arabic numerals and daggersLume: On hands and dagger-shaped hour markers (center seconds only)Water Resistance: 60 metersCaseback: Flat sapphire, etched with 70th anniversary Seamaster logo, Chris-Craft boat, and Gloster Meteor plan, utilizing NAIAD Lock systemStrap/Bracelet: Blue-grey leather strap (center second), brown leather strap (small seconds), both with vintage-style Omega pin buckles Through the back of the small seconds model you can see the Caliber 8804 at work. The Movements Caliber: Omega Caliber 8806 (center seconds)Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsDiameter: 29mmPower Reserve: 55 hoursWinding: Automatic (winding in both direction)Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph)Jewels: 35?METAS Master Chronometer Certified Additional Details: Resistant to magnetism up to 15,000 Gauss, silicon balance spring, Omega free-sprung balance, co-axial escapement, rhodium-plated bridges and rotor, and blackened screws, barrel, and balance wheel. Caliber: Omega Caliber 8804 (small seconds) ?Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds ?Power Reserve: 60 hours ?Winding: Automatic (winding in both direction) ?Frequency: 3.5 Hz (25,200 vph) Jewels: 35 ??METAS Master Chronometer Certified Additional Details: Resistant to magnetism up to 15,000 Gauss, silicon balance spring, Omega free-sprung balance, co-axial escapement, rhodium-plated bridges and rotor, and blackened screws, barrel, and balance wheel. The small seconds Seamaster looks straight out of the 1940s. Pricing & Availability Price: CHF 5,700 (center seconds), CHF 6,200 (small seconds)Availability: Coming SoonLimited Edition: 1,948 pieces of each modelFor more click here.