Posts filed under Omega

Insider: Omega De Ville Diamond Encrusted Central Tourbillon. Nicknamed 'Bellagio' and Priced at $700K USD.

A few months ago, we were invited by our friends at Omega to a very exclusive retreat along with some other VIP Omega collectors. During that retreat, Omega hosted an informal presentation of this amazing diamond encrusted central tourbillon timepiece nicknamed at the time 'Bellagio'. This fascinating timepiece featuring a central tourbillon with encrusted diamonds is a unique piece recently completed by the master watchmakers at the manufacture and worth $700,000 USD.

What makes this timepiece so special is the fact that not only its tourbillon cage is encrusted with diamonds but also the bridges on the movement as well as around its bezel and case. If you like bling, it really doesn't get any better. Fitted with a traditional Omega De Ville case in platinum measuring 38.7 mm in diameter this exceptional timepiece is a true work of art. The Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon is not only the first and only central tourbillon watch ever made, but it's also a watch that is crafted by a very select group of horologists from Omega.

Insider: Omega Co-Axial Chronograph Speedmaster 'Grey Side of the Moon'. Featuring the Most Unique Ceramic Case in the Market and a Platinum Dial.

Continuing the saga of the iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in Zirconium Oxide Ceramic, the Speedmaster 'Lunar Dust' or 'Grey Side of the Moon' was released at Baselworld 2014 as a successor to the highly coveted Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' released the previous year. The 'Grey Side of the Moon' just like the 'Dark Side of the Moon' is fitted with a Zirconium Oxide and Zirconium Carbide — ZrO2/ZrC— ceramic case measuring 44.25 mm in diameter and fitted with a gorgeous grey alligator strap with grey rubber applique on the perforated section, red contrast stitching on the back lining and a matching ceramic pin buckle.

Insider: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Split Seconds Co-Axial Chronograph. Doesn't Get Any Better for the Price.

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watches in the world and one that has helped Omega be who they are today. The Omega Speedmaster was originally launched in 1957 and since its landing on the moon it has been awarded the title of moonwatch. The Omega Speedmaster Split Seconds Co-Axial Chronograph ref. 311.30.44.51.01.001 —now a discontinued reference— features a black ceramic dial covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute register and 12-hour register along with central chronograph and split-seconds mechanism. This exceptional timepiece was produced in a limited edition of only 357 pieces and here we have one of them for your enjoyment.

Insider: Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Titanium. Hands-On Review of an Icon.

The first Omega Seamaster 300 was originally launched in 1957 and introduced specifically for divers and professionals who worked underwater. This new model of the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is fitted with a case measuring 41 mm in diameter and is available in stainless steel, a platinum limited edition of 357 pieces, in grade 5 titanium like the one under review here, in grade 5 titanium with 18K Sedna gold, in stainless steel with 18K Sedna gold or in 18K Sedna gold.

The new Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial features a sandblasted ceramic dial —that appears matte to the naked eye— with a 'faux patina' vintage look, Arabic transferred numerals, carved out Super-LumiNova markers —not a sandwich dial as many of you thought— and a smooth stainless steel bezel with a beautiful blue Liquidmetal insert.

Experience: Omega Hosts a Special Preview of their Baselworld 2014 Novelties in Partnership with WatchCollectingLifestyle in Chicago.

A few days ago, the Omega Boutique on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago, hosted a special preview of the Baselworld 2014 novelties in partnership with our publication. This wonderful evening included all the new watches presented at Baselworld 2014 presented earlier this year —with the exception of the Speedmaster 'Lunar Dust'— and their new line of NATO straps that will become available in the month of August across the Omega Boutique network. While we have seen the novelties multiple times, we have not played with the NATO straps enough. Fortunately, this time, we were able to see the NATO straps fitted on a few of the novelties as well as on other watches from the current collection. We even put a gorgeous Omega leather NATO strap on the new Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary that looked just amazing.

Experience: Celebrating with Omega and Buzz Aldrin the 45th Anniversary of the Moon Landing at the Kennedy Space Center.

July 20th, 2014, marks the 45th anniversary of the moon landing and the achievement of the Omega Speedmaster Professional in becoming the only watch to be flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions. Additionally, the Speedmaster Professional is the first watch to have been worn on the moon surface on July 21st, 1969 at 02:56 GMT. For this special occasion, we were invited by our friends from Omega to a very special dinner with Omega Ambassador and former astronaut Buzz Aldrin at the Kennedy Space Center a.k.a Cape Canaveral on 'Speedy Tuesday' earlier this week. On this wonderful evening, we were accompanied by our Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 3570.50 powered by the manual wound calibre 1861.

Insider: Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Rio 2016 Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.

A few months ago, we brought you the exciting news about the launch of the reissue of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph. Today, we bring you the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Rio 2016 Limited Edition, which is the third of the new three Mark II models —other two reviewed here. The Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Rio 2016 is a limited edition of 2,016 pieces that celebrates the XXXI Olympic Games to be celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 thru the 21st in 2016. While this new watch is almost identical to the Mark II with matte black dial, Omega decided to add three different colored rings to the chronograph counters to symbolize the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded during the Olympic Games. Additionally, the watch features polished center links on its bracelet and a specially engraved case back.

Rare Bird: Omega Dynamic Chronograph ref. 5240.50.00. At Least to Us 'Third Time is a Charm'.

The Omega Dynamic Chronograph ref. 5240.50.00 launched in 1997 is considered by many the third generation of failed attempts by Omega to launch a successful watch under the 'Dynamic' name. To us, the third generation of the Omega Dynamic is not a failed attempt, but a watch that brings vivid memories of our watch collecting journey in the late 90s and one of those instances where we can say 'Third Time is a Charm'.

The first Omega 'Dynamic' was created for the Prix de Ville de Genève in 1965 and launched to the public in 1968. Fitted with an elliptical shaped case was one of the first watches to be designed in a way where the timepiece would follow the silhouette of the wrist and fit like a glove. The crown was integrated into the case so that it would not disturb the flow of the watch design and fitted with a removable case ring that would allow the wearer to switch straps easily—the ring would hold the back of the strap against the watch almost like a bund style strap.

Experience: Helicopter Ride to the Grand Canyon with the Omega Co-Axial Chronograph Speedmaster 'Lunar Dust'. A Lifetime Experience.

Yesterday we told you everything about our VIP collectors weekend in Las Vegas with Omega here. Today, as discussed in our previous post, we are featuring the adrenaline boosting helicopter ride we took into the Grand Canyon. Riding in a helicopter is definitely one of those things that every watchlifestyler should do at least one in their lifetime. A helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes approximately 45-50 minutes of flying time —each way— and the scenery is definitely worth overcoming your fears.

Experience: A VIP Collectors Weekend in Las Vegas with Omega. Just Unforgettable.

They say that "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", well maybe not this time. Few times experiences like this get shared by collectors or the press online. Last weekend we had the honor to be part of a very exclusive group of VIP watch collectors that were treated to an exhilarating weekend in Las Vegas, all courtesy of our friends from Omega. The fascinating weekend at The Bellagio Hotel, not only included a VIP Penthouse loaded with almost every single reference across the different Omega collections but also with all the novelties presented at Baselworld earlier this year.

Insider: Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronograph. Fitted with Double Column-Wheel Mechanism.

The Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronographs in 18K yellow, white or red gold have one of the most fascinating stories in the horological world. This fascinating pocket watches fitted with a rattrapante chronograph movement with a double column-wheel mechanism are powered by rediscovered unassembled movement kits that had been in storage at Omega’s headquarters for almost a century. According to the archives, several years ago, some unassembled chronograph movement kits were discovered in a hidden corner at Omega’s headquarters in Biel, Switzerland.

Experience: An Evening with Kona Brewing Co. at the Omega Boutique Chicago. Pairing Craft Beer with Timepieces Works Brilliantly.

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure to be invited along with a select group of watch collectors and watchlifestylers, to an intimate beer tasting evening with Kona Brewing Co. at the Omega Boutique in Chicago. As usual, our friends from the Omega Boutique put together a very classy and fun event surrounding us by amazing timepieces in their showcases. As expected, the star of the night was the highly coveted Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' that several collectors were already sporting. Considering the huge beer connoisseurs that we are and our passion for timepieces, there was no way we would've missed this event.

Insider: Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Moon Landing Limited Edition in Platinum. Apollo 11 Overload in 314 Grams and Only 69 Pieces Ever Made.

As you guys know, watch collecting is not only about buying the most recent watch novelties released at the SIHH or Baselworld, but also about hunting down that watch that you've always dreamed of owning —new or vintage— or finding that special watch from a very exclusive limited edition, that is still waiting for you at a boutique or authorized dealer. Well, for those of you in love with the iconic Speedmaster Professional, here we have a very special piece that we ran into at the Omega Boutique in Chicago.

We are talking about the Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Moon Landing Limited Edition in Platinum ref. 311.90.42.30.01.001. This coveted limited edition was only released in two models, one in stainless steel with sterling silver medallion —7,969 pieces— and in platinum with 18K gold medallion—69 pieces.

This amazing watch fitted with a solid and ultra heavy 42 mm platinum case weighing an impressive 314 grams —11 ounces or 0.7 of a pound— is part of a very exclusive limited edition of only 69 pieces released by Omega back in 2009 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the moon landing on July 21, 1969. This exclusive timepiece that comes in a shockingly beautiful wooden presentation box with ornamental marquetry with the Apollo 11 Mission insignia —this box could be easily retrofitted by the owner to become a very elegant humidor and not a bad idea at all—, also includes a solid 18K yellow gold coin —measuring approximately 1.65" in diameter— with the Apollo 11 Mission insignia on bas-relief on one side and the inscription of the legend "The Eagle Has Landed" along with the launched, landed and returned dates of the mission on its reverse side.

This exceptional watch that celebrates humanity's biggest milestone after conquering space and setting foot on the surface of the moon is fitted with a gorgeous black matte dial with a solid 18K yellow gold medallion applique with the Apollo 11 Mission insignia at 9 —with the serial number engraved at the bottom and with the running seconds hand in gold—, 12-hour chrono-register at 6, a 30-minute chrono-register at 3 o'clock and platinum hands with the exception of the running seconds hand which is made of 18K yellow gold.

To make the dial even more special, Omega chose to add two red contrasting features to it. The first one, a red tip on the chronograph seconds hand and the second one, a red writing with the exact time —02:56 GMT— at which Neil Armstrong put foot on the surface of the moon and spent about two and a half hours outside the spacecraft while collecting lunar material to be brought back to earth. In his own words: "one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition’s dial is protected by Hesalite, the same robust, shatter-proof acrylic crystal found on the original Moon Watch. Hesalite is ideally suited for use in space as there is no chance that it can break apart and send potentially dangerous fragments into the zero gravity environment. A small, distinctive Omega logo has been etched evocatively inside the Hesalite crystal.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Moon Landing Limited Edition in Platinum is fitted with the traditional Speedmaster bracelet with deployant clasp. Because of the precious metal utilized on this limited edition, the bracelet is extremely heavy but still very comfortable. A nice reminder of the value of the watch and the exclusiveness of this limited edition piece.

This exceptional timepiece is powered by the manual-wound Omega calibre 1861 that shares its lineage with the calibre 321 used in the original Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The robust chronograph calibre is protected by a solid case back beautifully finished with the Apollo 11 Mission insignia in 18K yellow gold with the words “Apollo 11 40th Anniversary”. Around the platinum outer ring of the case back the following engraving appears: “The first Watch Worn on the Moon”, “PT950” —a reference to the watch’s platinum case and bracelet— and “July 21, 1969”, the date that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface.

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and extremely top heavy due to its platinum construction. Elegant but sporty at the same time, understated and classic and extremely iconic are the words that come to mind when sporting the piece. This watch is a perfect watch for those seeking to post the most unique Speedmasters on '#SpeedyTuesday' on their Instagram accounts. For the money, you definitely get a very exclusive watch that is definitely worth its 314 grams in platinum. From an horological and watch value standpoint, you get to decide whether you think is worth it or not.

Sticker Price $135,000 USD. For more info on Omega click here.

Baselworld 2014: Omega De Ville Trésor Master Co-Axial Calibre 8511. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Inspired by the original 1955 model, three classic timepieces are a new striking addition to Omega's De Ville collection. This year at Baselworld 2014, Omega brings back this classic watch but fitted with the new manual wound Master Co-Axial calibre 8511. The Omega Trésor features a highly polished 40 mm case in 18K Sedna gold, yellow Gold or white gold and is fitted with an elegant brown or black —white gold model— alligator strap with 18K gold pin buckle.

This new watch is fitted with a gorgeous silvery Opaline domed dial with 'Clous de Paris' guilloché pattern. To complement its dome curved shape, the hours are marked with applied domed 18K gold batons and arched needle-shaped hands. The dial also features a date aperture at 6 o'clock that completes the overall simple and clean design of this watch. To guarantee good visibility, the watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.

The new manual wound Master Co-Axial calibre 8511 is fully visible via the display case back. The new calibre features a three-level co-axial escapement, Si14 silicon balance spring, 18K red gold bridge, 30 jewels and the new Omega exclusive anti-magnetic technology that protects the movement from magnetic fields over 15,000 gauss. When fully wound, the movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement is very nicely finished with the traditional 'Arabesque' pattern on the bridges. The watch is water resistant to a depth of 30 meters, regardless of its lack of screw-down crown.

On the wrist, the new Omega De Ville Trésor wears true to its size and quite comfortably. With unparalleled elegance this watch guarantees perfect wrist presence without having to break the bank.

Sticker Price 11,500 CHF ex VAT. For more info on Omega click here.

Baselworld 2014: Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition. Live Macro Pictures and Pricing.

Last week we told you about the new Omega Speedmaster released at Baselworld 2014 to commemorate the landing on the moon of the Apollo 11 on July, 1969. We are talking about the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary in a limited edition of 1,969 pieces. Recalling the colors of the moon and the Apollo 11 lunar and command modules, the limited edition timepiece features a grey fully brushed 42 mm grade-2 titanium case with a touch of 18K Omega Sedna gold on the bezel, markers and hands. Another striking element on the design of this watch is the NATO nylon leather lined strap.

The watch is powered by the Omega manual-wound chronograph calibre 1861. As you will see in these live macro images, the dial can look dark brown, light gray or even slightly lavender depending on the lighting conditions or the angle at which the light hits it. The case back is very solid with the traditional engravings of the Apollo 11 mission.

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and very comfortably. The wrist presence is unparalleled and we are confident this will be a timepiece that many 'speedy' collectors would like to own.

Sticker Price $7,200 USD. For more info on Omega click here.

Baselworld 2014: Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial. Live Macro Pictures and Pricing.

A few days ago, we brought you some preliminary images of the new Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial inside the showcases. This time we have brought you live macro pictures of the watch for your viewing pleasure. As commented on the previous post, more than a century later the Omega Seamaster 300 comes back in an upgraded and enhanced form.

The new Omega Seamaster 300 with a 41 mm case will be available in stainless steel, a platinum limited edition of 357 pieces, in grade 5 titanium, in grade 5 titanium with 18K Sedna gold, in stainless steel with 18K Sedna gold or in 18K Sedna gold.

This iconic diver's watch was originally launched in 1957 and introduced specifically for divers and professionals who worked underwater. This new model of the Omega Seamaster 300 features a black ceramic dial with a 'faux patina' vintage look on its Arabic transferred numerals —blue dial and blue bezel on the titanium models— and on the Super-LumiNova of its hands. Additionally, the watch features a smooth stainless steel bezel with Liquidmetal insert. The movement inside this watch is the new Master Co-Axial calibre 8400/8401. This new movement not only features the same accuracy, precision and reliability as all other co-axial Omega calibers, but its also anti-magnetic, resisting magnetic fields in excess of 15,000 gauss. The bracelets feature high polished center links on all different metal options and the new Omega patented extendable fold over rack-and-pusher clasp with micro-adjustment. To micro-adjust the bracelet, one just needs to push a small button located inside the clasp and smoothly slide the link outward as necessary. This micro-adjustment provides up to 9.60 mm of extra length to the last link on the bracelet. Perhaps, the best micro-adjustment system we have seen in the market so far.

Sticker Price starting at $6,200 and all the way up to $62,000 for solid gold models. For more info on Omega click here.

Posted on April 1, 2014 and filed under Baselworld, Omega.

Baselworld 2014: Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Almost two months ago, we brought you the exciting news about the pre-Baselworld 2014 launch of the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph. Today, we were able to peruse the two new models in the flesh. Frankly, as with most watches, it is one thing to see the stock images and it is another to see them in person or in live pictures. This time, we need to admit that our Leica didn't perform as expected and our iPhone 5 gave the Leica a run for its money. While the pictures in this post show the orange accents as a true bright orange, the actual color of these accents is fluorescent orange, as shown in the picture below —captured with our iPhone and not our Leica. Regardless of the slight color variation, we hope that these images convey the real beauty of these two new timepieces.

1969 was a memorable year for humankind. The same year, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Mark II, a timepiece with a streamlined case that was powered by the same space-tested, hand-wound calibre 861 found inside the Moonwatch. In 2014 Omega has reintroduced this classic Speedmaster Mark II and updated it to include an automatic movement with column wheel chronograph and a tachymetric scale that is visible in the most limited light thanks to its ultra bright superluminova– a first in the iconic Speedmaster family. Additionally, the watch features fluorescent orange accents instead of bright orange as its predecessor, and the Professional Mark II writing on the dial has been replaced with the words 'Co-Axial Chronometer'. Lastly, the Omega symbol that used to be orange in the original Speedmaster Professional Mark II is now white.

The barrel-shaped stainless steel case measuring 42.4 mm in width and 46.2 mm in length features the most beautiful satin-brushed finish with alternating polished chamfers. While this watch doesn't feature a screw-down winding crown, the new crown feels very solid and slightly bigger than the crown fitted on its predecessor. The watch features pump pushers and a date corrector located at 10 o’clock on the case band. As you will be able to appreciate the attention to detail and finish of the watch is exceptional.

The new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph is fitted with one of the best matte finished dials we have seen lately. Fitted with either a matte black dial as ref. 327.10.43.50.01.001 or a matte grey one as ref. 327.10.43.50.06.001, the dial features a running seconds register at 9, a 30-minute chrono-register at 3 and a 12-hour chrono-register with small date aperture at 6 o’clock. The beautiful matte finish of the dial is enhanced by a perfectly flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides that provides exceptional readability. Depending on lighting conditions, the black dial looks more like a charcoal grey due to the grain on its matte finished surface.

The transparent tachymetric scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by an aluminum ring filled with superluminova. The aluminum ring on the gray dial reference is orange matching the accents on the dial, while on the black dial reference it is dark gray. Interestingly enough, the ring on the gray dial reference almost seems to glow when light hits it at certain angle. The varnished white and black hour and minute hands are also coated with superluminova as is the central chronograph hand.

The watch is equipped with a nice solid satin-brushed finished stainless steel bracelet and an Omega signed clasp. The bracelet can be sized quite easily, thanks to the screws on the links. This bracelet is not only thicker than the bracelet on the original Speedmaster Mark II but it is also fitted with the new Omega patented extendable fold over rack-and-pusher clasp with micro-adjustment. To micro-adjust the bracelet, one just needs to push a small button located inside the clasp and smoothly slide the link outward as necessary. This micro-adjustment provides up to 9.60 mm of extra length to the last link on the bracelet. Perhaps, the best micro-adjustment system we have seen in the market so far.

The beating heart powering this fascinating timepiece is the Omega Co-Axial calibre 3330, an automatic movement with column-wheel chronograph mechanism, co-axial escapement for greater precision, stability and durability of the movement and a free sprung-balance equipped with Si14 silicon balance spring. This watch is an Officially Certified Chronometer and it provides a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound. To protect the movement, the watch is fitted with a solid case back featuring the seahorse medallion engraving, "Mark II", “Si14” and “Column Wheel”. The watch is waterproof rated to a depth of a 100 meters.

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with remarkable wrist presence. Once you put this watch on, prepare to be taken back in time with one of the most iconic watches ever designed by Omega. To make it even more attractive, the watches are priced as reasonable as it gets.

If you want one of these watches —or perhaps both of them— right now, make sure you swing by the Omega Boutique in Chicago as they just got these in. Now, if you don't live in Chicago, we guess that you could always make a quick phone call to the boutique and provide them your American Express Centurion card number to get them first thing next week.

Sticker Price $6,250 USD. For more info on Omega click here.

Baselworld 2014: Omega Presents the Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition. Live Pictures.

To commemorate the landing on the moon of the Apollo 11 on July, 1969, Omega presented at Baselworld 2014 the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary in a limited edition of 1,969 pieces. Recalling the colors of the moon and the Apollo 11 lunar and command modules, the limited edition timepiece features a grey fully brushed 42 mm grade-2 titanium case with a touch of 18K Omega Sedna gold on the bezel, markers and hands. Another striking element on the design of this watch is the NATO-inspired fabric strap. The watch is powered by the Omega manual-wound chronograph calibre 1861.

More pictures with a full review to follow.

For more info on Omega click here.

Posted on March 26, 2014 and filed under Baselworld, Omega.

Baselworld 2014: Omega Presents the New Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial. The Return of an Iconic Diver's Watch.

More than a century later the Omega Seamaster 300 comes back in an upgraded and enhanced form. The new Omega Seamaster 300 with a 41 mm case will be available in stainless steel, a platinum limited edition of 357 pieces, in grade 5 titanium, in grade 5 titanium with 18K Sedna gold, in stainless steel with 18K Sedna gold or in 18K Sedna gold.

This iconic diver's watch was originally launched in 1957 and introduced specifically for divers and professionals who worked underwater. This new model of the Omega Seamaster 300 features a black ceramic dial with a 'faux patina' vintage look on its Arabic transferred numerals —blue dial and blue bezel on the titanium models— and on the Super-LumiNova of its hands. Additionally, the watch features a smooth stainless steel bezel with Liquidmetal insert. The movement inside this watch is the new Master Co-Axial calibre 8400/8401. This new movement not only features the same accuracy, precision and reliability as all other co-axial Omega calibers, but its also anti-magnetic, resisting magnetic fields in excess of 15,000 gauss. The bracelets feature high polished center links on all different metal options.

Hopefully we will bring you additional pictures from behind the glass later this week.

Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Omega click here.

Posted on March 26, 2014 and filed under Baselworld, Omega.

Insider: Omega Seamaster Bullhead. The Rebirth of an Iconic Chronograph.

With a case and dial configuration unlike any other Omega; the original 1969 Seamaster Bullhead that inspired this wristwatch is among the rarest, most collectable and most recognizable chronographs ever produced. The Omega Seamaster Bullhead is fitted with a stainless steel shield-shaped case that measures 43 mm in length by 43 mm in width. The case features brushed and polished areas as well as sharp angles and a special angled curved shape on its back. The watch is fitted with an inner revolving bezel and the unusual placement of its chronograph pushers and crowns made it a favorite among watch aficionados in the late 60s and early 70s.

Image from WatchesToBuy.com

Its winding crown at 12 o’clock was flanked by two chronograph pushers and it was this unique configuration that gave the watch its nickname as it resembles a bull head with its horns. There is also another crown at the 6 o’clock position that controls the internal rotating bezel.

To meet a long-standing request from Bullhead enthusiasts, Omega reissued three versions of the iconic chronograph last year. The first Bullhead model ref. 225.12.43.50.04.001 features a white dial with red accents, white bi-directional rotating inner bezel with a 24-hour scale and a day/night display with white numerals contrasted against blue and black backgrounds and a very nice brown strap with beige contrast stitching. The second model a.k.a. the "Sport Chic" dial Bullhead ref. 225.12.43.50.01.001, features a black dial with a reversed "Clous de Paris" pattern with red accents, black bi-directional rotating inner bezel with a 12-hour scale and a black leather strap with red contrast stitching.

Lastly, the third model which is the one we are reviewing here, ref. 225.12.43.50.02.001 features a silvered “Rallye” dial with perlage, black perforated leather strap with red contrast stitching and a black 60-minute scale on its black bi-directional rotating inner bezel. All three models are priced equally and available in a limited edition of 669 pieces each. The "Rallye" dial on this watch is perhaps one of the most unique dials we have seen in any Omega watch and its the result of a labor intensive 'perlage' finishing job. While the pictures depict the hands being somewhat orange, the actual color of them is more of a burnt red. Unfortunately we had to review this watch under bright boutique lights instead of natural light. The dial features stick markers with luminescent material, a 30-minute chrono counter at 12, a subsidiary running seconds register at 6 and a date aperture at 3 o'clock.

While the new models, with their characteristic symmetrical case and bezel, have all of the charm of the original, there are some modifications that were made. For instance, while the pushers for the chronograph are still mounted at the top, the round pushers on the original watch have been replaced with rectangular ones and the movement has been changed. While the original Bullhead from 1969 was fitted with a manual wound Lemania 930 chronograph calibre —where the right pusher was used to start/stop the 30-minute chronograph and the left pusher was used to reset the chronograph—, the new models are fitted with the Omega automatic calibre 3113. This new movement, besides being self-winding instead of manual wound, features a column wheel chronograph mechanism, co-axial escapement and a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound. On the new movement the left chrono pusher is used to start/stop the 30-minute chrono at 12 o'clock and the right pusher is used to reset the chrono back to zero. The watch is fitted with a nice fluted screw-in crown and is waterproof rated to a depth of 150 meters. The crown at 6 o'clock rotates in both directions to move the inner bezel in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The watch is fitted with a nice sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides that provides excellent readability of the time at any angle —just see for yourself.

In order to maintain its robustness, the watch is fitted with a solid screw-in case back that is stamped with the familiar polished Seamaster Seahorse and the limited edition engravings. Something worth noting, is that the top part of the back of the case is slightly curved to position the watch on the wrist at an angle, allowing the wearer to look at the time without needing to turn the wrist and have the watch face you. You can appreciate that curvature on the third picture below.

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To complete its racing look, the new Omega Seamaster Bullhead 'rallye' is equipped with a vulcanized black leather strap with perforations and red contrast stitching matching the hands of the chronograph. The strap is fitted with a deployant buckle with the Omega symbol on relief.

On the wrist, the watch wears slightly smaller than its actual size but very comfortably. The fact that you can look at the time without having to turn your wrist all the way around is definitely a very convenient solution for those wanting to check the time while driving without the need to take their hand of the wheel. Just imagine yourself sporting this fascinating watch while driving an iconic Porsche 911 from the 60s. Wouldn't that be the perfect pair?

Special thanks to our friends at the Omega Boutique in Chicago for letting us come and check this watch that just made it in.

Sticker Price $9,600 USD. For more info on Omega click here.