As a tribute to Gene Cernan, the eleventh and last person to have walked on the Moon surface and whom passed away on January 16, 2017, the new Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary is one of those watches that got very little exposure after its release during Baselworld 2017.
Posts filed under Omega
Rare Bird: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Moonphase Aventurine Dial. Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Speedy.
Every once in a while, we run into discontinued references or watches that are just really hard to find and that we like to call 'rare birds'. This time, we are talking about an Omega Speedmaster that captivated everyone when it was launched a few years ago and that is now discontinued and quite hard to find. Since we all know how iconic is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional —after being part of all six lunar missions—, we'll go straight to what makes this watch so special.
Baselworld 2017: Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer Stainless Steel. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
Our second most favorite release from Omega at Baselworld 2017 and a watch that is as good as it gets. The new Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer in stainless steel with a matte black dial with orange accents is as sporty and racing inspired as a chronograph of this nature should be. This new watch is also available in 18K Sedna gold with deep dark blue dial and it was reviewed by us here.
Baselworld 2017: Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer 18K Sedna Gold. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
One of our favorite releases from Omega at Baselworld 2017 and a watch that sparked our love and interest in the brand after a year and a half without featuring any Omega watches here at WCL is the new Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer in 18K Sedna Gold. Also available in stainless steel with a matte black dial —hands-on live pictures coming up later—, this new Speedmaster Racing with a stunning deep dark blue dial and a case in 18K Sedna Gold is simply gorgeous and one that we must own.
Baselworld 2017: Omega 1957 'Trilogy' 60th Anniversary Limited Editions — Seamaster 300, Railmaster, Speedmaster 1957. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
One of the biggest releases this year at Baselworld 2017 and one that was quite polarizing is the new Omega Trilogy 60th Anniversary 1957 limited editions. This set of three vintage inspired watches with 'faux-patina' pays tribute to the three most iconic and legendary watches from Omega, all originally released in 1957. These three new watches that include the Seamaster 300, the Aqua Terra Railmaster and the Speedmaster, can be purchased individually —3,557 pieces each— or as a box set in a special limited edition Swiss Oak wooden box containing all three watches and an oily leather travel roll with three additional leather and NATO straps.
Insider: Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition. Even Better on an OEM Titanium Bracelet.
Back in April of last year we brought you the news straight from Baselworld 2014 about the release of the new Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition here. This time, we are bringing you a full review of this new watch the way we like to do it, under natural light and with plenty of macros that we know you'll love. Furthermore, we have a surprise at the end of the post with the watch fitted with a 'Speedy' X-33 OEM titanium bracelet. These images are a world premiere and the result of a crazy idea from a watch collector that wanted to see what the watch would look like on a matching titanium bracelet. Frankly, the watch looks even more amazing on the bracelet. Considering that our previous images from Baselworld 2014 were not taken under natural light, these new images we have prepared for you depict the watch more accurately. This is a watch that one needs to see in person to truly appreciate it and understand the color variations coming from its PVD blackened dial.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 'James Bond' Spectre Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In anticipation of the release of the 24th James Bond film 'Spectre' scheduled to open later this year, Omega has created a limited edition Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M model inspired by the Bond family coat of arms. This new Omega just unveiled at Baselworld 2015 over a week ago. The dial, in the most interesting hue of midnight blue, features the coat of arms repeatedly interlocking to create a dynamic pattern on the watch’s blue dial. The coat of arms is also found near the tip of the yellow central seconds hand and a yellow minute track completes the amazing look of this new timepiece. Powered by the completely new Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8507, this timepiece is resistant to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss —however the brand played with the 007 number and added it to the gauss rating on the dial as 15,007
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon New Four Variants. Live Pictures and Pricing.
It was the adventures and the accomplishments of the Apollo 8 astronauts that inspired the all black, ceramic Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, but it is the mystique of the Earth’s nightlight and its ever-changing yet constant presence that has spurred the creation of four new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon timepieces that are now part of the collection. These four new variants are the Dark Side of the Moon Black Black, Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black, Dark Side of the Moon Pitch Black and the Dark Side of the Moon Vintage Black —our favorite by the way. These four new timepieces just released at Baselworld 2015 share a case back design that hints at their common inspiration: the original Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. The black ceramic case back ring of each of these models features matt chromium nitride marks as well as the name of this iconic collection: “Dark Side of the Moon”. Each of these black ceramic timepieces is powered by the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Globemaster. Live Pictures and Pricing.
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.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award. Live Pictures and Pricing.
On April 17, 1970, the world watched as the Apollo 13 Command Module landed in the Pacific Ocean after an unexpected crisis occurred 200,000 miles away from Earth. Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the Apollo programme and the third that was intended to land on the Moon —a goal that was dashed when one of the two oxygen tanks on the Service Module exploded on route. The mission was aborted and the astronauts completed a number of mid-course corrections in order to achieve the trajectory that would allow them to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. This new Omega —just unveiled at Baselworld 2015— under the name Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award pays homage to that unforgettable mission 45 years ago and celebrates the teamwork, quick thinking, ingenuity and courage that brought Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise home safely.
Experience: Omega Soirée in Miami's Design District. In Preparation for the Upcoming Boutique Opening.
This past Wednesday December 10th, 2014 we had the pleasure to join our friends at Omega for a very special celebration in lieu of the upcoming opening of its Miami Design District boutique. The Miami Design District and its Aranda/Lasch-Designed space is soon to be the mecca of watch boutiques in the Miami area. This wonderful evening with a red carpet soirée that drew stars and socialites including actress Camilla Belle, along with nearly 400 of Miami's influentials was hosted by Omega's Vice President and Head of International Sales, Raynald Aeschlimann. This tasteful and elegant celebration had its main focus on paying homage to Omega's Master Co-Axial technology —the world’s first industrialized anti-magnetic movements with all non-ferrous components that are more prevalent across a wide variety of Omega timepieces. For sure, an evening filled with delicious hors d'oeuvre, Omega signature cocktails, celebrities, beautiful women and stunning timepieces. As usual, our drink of choice for the evening was our usual Negroni.
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.
