Without a doubt, this has been a big year for Omega at Baselworld 2015. Not only the brand beefed up their dial options for the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, but also revamped the PloProf line and added several novelties within the ladies portfolio including a White Side of the Moon in white ceramic. However, the most expected release from Omega this year was the watch we have here, the Globemaster. Created in the true spirit of Omega, the Globemaster houses the brand’s most advanced mechanical movement and features a design inspired by early Constellation models from 1952 and 1968, even its name was originally used for the Constellation timepieces that were produced and distributed in the U.S. in the 1950s. For the first time, along with the traditional COSC —Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres— certification, this new watch also comes with the METAS —Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology— certification, which makes this timepiece a Master Chronometer instead of just a Chronometer. If you guys remember, back in December 2014 Omega announced that starting 2015, this would become a standard certification for their timepieces. Well, there you have it, the new Omega Globemaster is the first watch to be tested and approved according to this new process, which, in addition to measuring the performance of the watch in daily wearing conditions, ensures that it functions properly when exposed to strong magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Prior to obtaining a METAS certification, the watch needs to have been designated a Chronometer by the COSC.
The new Omega Globemaster comes in five different metals —a platinum 352-piece limited edition, stainless steel, 18K yellow gold, 18K Sedna gold and a two-tone in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold— with a gorgeous pie pan dial with batons and date aperture at 6 o'clock. While some referred to this new timepiece from Omega as a reincarnation of the Rolex Datejust, it is very clear that the watch was totally inspired by the early constellation models that sported a fluted bezel like that on the Datejust. Similarities or resemblance aside, this watch is definitely one of our favorites from Baselworld 2015 and a stunner.
Along with their watch, customers will receive a METAS certification card that includes an identification number which they can use to see how their watches performed on each test. The eight criteria that are measured during the certification process are:
1. The function of the movement during exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
2. The deviation of the running time of the watch in six positions.
3. The deviation of the running time of the watch between 0 and 2/3 power reserve.
4. The function of the watch during exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
5. The deviation of the average daily precision of the watch after exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
6. The average daily precision of the watch in tests replicating daily wearing conditions at six positions and two temperatures.
7. The power reserve of the watch —autonomy/functioning without winding.
8. The water resistance of the watch —tested in water.
After reviewing all five different models, we can say that all of them are very special and quite handsome; however, our favorite is the the stainless steel model because of its strikingly beautiful sunburst blue dial that is a true chameleon depending on lighting conditions. This blue dial is also fitted on the two-tone models. Additionally, silvery opaline dials are found on the 18K Sedna gold, 18K yellow gold, stainless steel and stainless steel and 18K yellow gold versions.
On the other hand, the platinum limited edition —352 pieces available— reference is fitted with a gorgeous sandblasted platinum dial with applied 18K white gold markers filled with blue enamel. Besides the vintage inspired pan-pie shape of its dials, one other thing we really liked about this new watch, is that all dials feature applied Omega logos and a beautiful Omega Constellation star in bas relief above the date aperture at 6 o'clock.
The case measuring 39 mm in diameter and 12.5 mm in thickness, is quite nicely done with a stunning satin brushed finish all over and four captivating chamfers on its lugs. The fluted bezel —in super strong tungsten carbide for the stainless steel models— along with the crown, make for great light refraction, giving this watch great wrist presence. The vintage inspired design is rounded out by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. All models are water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet.
Protecting the automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900/8901 —Calibre 8913 for the platinum limited edition model with Sedna gold rotor— with 38 jewels and a power reserve of 60 hours powering this new watch, there is a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an outstanding decorative feature. A medallion made of the same material as the casebody has been set into the glass before the glass is fastened to the case back, which is also decorated with four screws. In the case of the limited edition platinum model, this medallion is made of platinum with blue enamel. Inspired by Omega's history, the medallion features the famous chronometer observatory cupola that symbolizes the precision awards that the brand received for the outstanding performance of its movements during the famous chronometer observatory trials in the 1940s and 1950s. Eight stars in the sky above the observatory symbolize the most important precision records that Omega set and they also signify the eight METAS-certified criteria that a timepiece and its movement must pass in order to receive Master Chronometer status. What a lovely coincidence!
While the stainless steel model with blue dial and two-tone models are fitted with a dark blue alligator strap, the same model with silvery opaline dial features a grey alligator strap. All other models with the exception of the platinum limited edition —fitted with a navy blue strap with cream contrast stitching— are equipped with brown alligator straps and all straps are fitted with deployant clasps for all metals. Two-tone models are available with two-tone matching bracelets as well.
On the wrist, the watch wears just perfect. True to its size and with spectacular vintage inspired wrist presence this is definitely a winner in our book. COSC certification check, METAS certification check, overall amazing looks check. When a watch checks all boxes it turns into a must have.
Sticker Price $7,700 USD for stainless steel, $9,400 USD two-tone, $14,000 USD 18K Sedna gold, CHF 18,000 18K yellow gold and CHF 38,000 platinum. For more info on Omega click here.
