Introducing: The Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Collection
January 25, 2018
With the 2018 Olympic Winter Games kicking off in Pyeongchang, South Korea on February 9th, we all expected Omega to produce a run of limited edition watches to commemorate the big event. What was less expected is the new Seamaster Olympic Games Collection, which spans five colorways of a new model meant to commemorate not the 2018 games specifically, but rather Omegas now 86-year history as the Official Timekeeper for the games.? Why This Watch Matters With a stopwatch-inspired design and a minimal amount of Olympic-specific branding, these new Seamasters offer an appeal that isnt limited to those interested in (or participating in) the Olympics. Omegas Olympic-themed limited editions come in a wide range of subtlety and many offer a more niche appeal when compared to the standard model of the same watch. Each reference of the Seamaster Olympic Games Collection is accented in one of the Olympic ring colors: blue, yellow, black, green, and red.?Sporting a small application of the Olympic rings under the date display at six, the design connection with the Olympics is understated and nicely accented by the use of distinct colors. Along with offering a direct connection for those closely tied to the games, the Seamaster Olympic Games Collection is also a handsome, legible, and rather fun limited edition model. At a broader level, this is another welcome example of an entry point to Omegas in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements, comparable to the $4,900 price of the non-limited Seamaster Railmaster shown at Basel last year.? Initial Thoughts With a dial design inspired by mid-70s stopwatches, which Omega used at the games in Montreal and Innsbruck, these Seamasters are eye-catching, gauge-like, and have a starkness that speaks to their connection to the world of athletics. The 39.5mm steel case is a simple Seamaster shape and leaves most of the heavy lifting to the dial. With bold Arabic numerals, a date display, and a color-coordinated pulse scale on the dial edge (intended for measuring one's pulse); these Seamasters offer a balanced and functional display that makes excellent use of their accent colors. From the more serious black version to the lovely blue and yellow variants, Id have a hard time picking my favorite color (just kidding, its blue).?Omegas 100-year term as the Official Timekeeper continues until 2032, and for that reason, they are producing some 2032 pieces of each color variant. Encircling the display case back is a list of the host cities in which Omega has been (or will be) the Official Timekeeper for the Olympics, up to Los Angeles 2028. Whether youre a die-hard fan of the Olympics or simply dig the retro stopwatch aesthetic and cutting-edge movement, the Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Collection is a subtle spin on an Olympic limited edition with great sizing, a strong use of color, and an easy-wearing vibe.? The Basics Brand: OmegaModel: Seamaster Olympic Games CollectionReference Number: 522.32.40.20.01.00X?Diameter: 39.5mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Black and white with colored accents matching the five Olympic RingsIndexes: Printed Arabic numeralsLume: Yes, on hands and numeralsWater Resistance: 60 metersStrap/Bracelet: Perforated leather strap with colored accents matching the dial The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber 8800Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and datePower Reserve: 55 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 25,200 vphJewels: 35Additional Details: METAS certified Master Chronometer, Co-Axial escapement, magnetic resistance to 15,000 gauss Pricing & Availability Price: $5,400Availability: TBD Limited Edition: 2,032 pieces in each of the five colorwaysFor more click here.